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This is a map showing area residents who did not receive their notice (mailed April 14th) of Trader Joe's application for their liquor license as required by law.
Eric Dynamic
This is a map showing area residents who did not receive their notice (mailed April 14th) of Trader Joe's application for their liquor license as required by law.
 

News

Former Albany Wrestling Coach Gets Lengthy Sentence for Molesting Boys

By Jeff Shuttleworth(BCN)
Monday May 24, 2010 - 02:27:00 PM

A former Albany High School wrestling coach and a longtime youth sports volunteer was sentenced today to more than two decades in prison for molesting three teenage boys. 

 

Jon Etingoff, a 57-year-old El Cerrito man, was convicted of two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior with a child under the age of 14 and one count of lewd and lascivious behavior with a 15-year-old child. 

 

He was sentenced to 20 years and eight months to life in state prison. 

 

Alameda County Deputy District Attorney Susan Torrence said investigators received statements from men accusing Etingoff of molestation as far back as 1975 but her office was only allowed to charge him with accusations dating back to 1988 because of statute of limitations rules. 

 

The case against Etingoff charged him with molesting three victims but an investigation disclosed at least another six victims, Torrence said. 

 

The three victims whose cases were charged spoke out against him at an emotional hearing today, saying that he seriously damaged their lives and the lives of their families.  

 

"I was violated when I was 10 years old," said one victim, who is now an adult. He called Etingoff "an arrogant pedophile who is in complete denial and shows no remorse." 

 

The man said Etingoff "can't even acknowledge what he did" and told Etingoff, "you haven't even looked at the victims throughout this process." 

 

The mother of Etingoff's most recent victim, who came forward in 2007, said Etingoff destroyed many lives and asked Alameda County Judge Julie Conger to "lock him up forever."  

 

"There were many more victims whose lives he touched but didn't have the ability to come forward," the mother said. 

 

Torrence said she thinks the reason it took so long for Etingoff's behavior to be reported is that in cases of people in positions of authority, such as coaches, "it's difficult for victims to come forward and it's difficult for them to be believed." 

 

Etingoff was a volunteer assistant coach with the Albany High School wrestling team and also coached karate and a Pop Warner youth football league team, Torrence said. 

 

Etingoff didn't speak at his sentencing, but his brother, Steve Etingoff, spoke on his behalf. 

 

"In my heart I find it hard to believe Jon did all these things. I just don't believe it," Steve Etingoff said. 

 

He said no one had complained about his brother until the first set of allegations surfaced two and a half years ago. 

 

But Judge Conger, who issued her verdict against Etingoff last month at the end of a non-jury trial, said she found the numerous allegations against Etingoff to be totally believable. 

 

Conger said she received many letters from people who said Etingoff has done good things for them over the years, but she said "this friendship was used in a very insidious manner and parents were lulled into thinking their kids were safe with him." 

 

Conger said she also found it "very troubling" that two of Etingoff's victims said they are concerned about how they would treat their own children in the wake of the abuse they suffered. 

 

Etingoff's lawyer, Judy Browne, asked that a multiple-victim finding against Etingoff be stricken so that he could receive a more lenient sentence. 

 

But Conger said, "There were so many victims that it would be an abuse of my discretion if I struck that finding." 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Humane Society Receives Flood of Donations after Fire

By Janna Brancolini, BCN
Friday May 21, 2010 - 11:18:00 PM

The Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society has raised more than $115,000 since a fire destroyed parts of its facility late Wednesday night, according to a spokeswoman for the organization. 

At least 12 cats were killed and more than 35 animals were displaced by the blaze, which was reported at 11:57 p.m. at 2700 Ninth St., officials said.  

A shelter spokeswoman said the humane society has received tremendous support from the community, including $115,000 in online donations, since the fire. 

"Not too many people can say that we raised $115,000 in one day," O'Donnell said. "We just feel so appreciated and thankful." 

Fire officials, however, estimate the facility will need at least $500,000 worth of repairs. 

The hospital, shelter area and administrative offices are all unusable, O'Donnell said, and the fire left the building without electricity, running water or phone service. 

Today, the group office manager was looking into having the electricity restored, according to O'Donnell.  

"We're taking it one step at a time," she said.  

Several organizations have also stepped up to help house the displaced animals and raise money, O'Donnell said.  

Animal care centers are storing the animals until foster homes are found for them, and the Marin Humane Society is donating the proceeds of an event this weekend to the East Bay chapter. 

"Our biggest concern right now is trying to get as many donations as we possibly can," O'Donnell said.  

Donations can be made online at http://www.berkeleyhumane.org/ or by calling (510) 845-7735. 

 


Flash: Fire on Ashby on Friday Afternoon

By Thomas Lord
Friday May 21, 2010 - 04:52:00 PM
Thomas Lord
Thomas Lord
Thomas Lord
Thomas Lord

A suspicious fire broke out today behind 1246 and 1248 Ashby.  

Ashby Avenue was shut down around 2:30 as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. 

Destroyed in the fire were a fence, a shed, and a parked trailer.  

A nearby tree was heavily scorched and, although it was quickly contained, the fire spread to the roof of the apartment building at 1246 Ashby, police said. 

A neighbor on the scene commented that "a bunch of kids playing around" started the fire. Police indicated that they believe it was a group of young men. Preliminary reports are that the fire started at a fence and spread from there to the adjacent shed, tree, trailer, and apartment rooftop. 

No injuries were reported. 


New: Detained UC Berkeley Hikers Have Emotional Reunion with Mothers in Iran

By Jeff Shuttleworth, BCN
Thursday May 20, 2010 - 03:48:00 PM

Three University of California at Berkeley graduates who have been detained in Iran for more than nine months had a "very emotional" reunion with their mothers today at a hotel in Tehran, a family member said. 

Pat Sandys, the cousin of 31-year-old Sarah Shourd and the nephew of her mother, Nora Shourd, who lives in Oakland, said the meeting lasted five hours -- two hours longer than expected. 

Sarah Shourd, Shane Bauer, 27, and Josh Fattal, 27, have been imprisoned in Iran since July 31. 

Their family members and friends say they were detained after they accidentally crossed an unmarked border into Iran while hiking in Iraq's Kurdistan region. But Iran has accused them of espionage and said that it plans to prosecute them, although no formal charges have been filed. 

In addition to Nora Shourd, the mothers are Cindy Hickey of Pine City, Minn., and Laura Fattal of Elkins Park, Penn. 

Footage provided by Iran's state-run television network showed the mothers throwing their arms in the air and rushing to embrace their children as they entered a meeting room at the Esteghlal Hotel in northern Tehran, where the mothers have been staying since they arrived in Iran on Wednesday. 

The detained hikers hugged and kissed their mothers, who were wearing long black robes and holding flowers. 

"We're very happy with how the meeting went," said Sandys, who lives in Southern California and is now on vacation with his family in Florida. 

The mothers had expected to visit the hikers at Evin Prison in Tehran and were pleasantly surprised that the meeting occurred at their hotel, Sandys said. The mothers "were treated with the utmost respect" by Iranian officials, he said. 

"We hope this is a continuing good sign and is building momentum but it doesn't solve the problem" of getting the hikers released from prison, Sandys said. 

Today's meeting was the first time the hikers had been allowed out of prison since they were detained, but they were returned there after the meeting, Sandys said. 

"We hope that there will be more meetings and we can push to have them released but it seems unlikely that they'll be released at this time," he said. 

The mothers applied for visas to visit Iran on Jan. 6 but didn't receive them until May 12. 

Sandys said he's been told that the visas are good for about a week. 

He said the mothers "want to stay as long as possible" and hope to meet with Iran's leaders to plead for the release of their children but it's possible they could be forced to leave the country on short notice. 

"Things change quickly," Sandys said. 

Swiss diplomats, who represent U.S. interests in Iran because Iran and the U.S. don't have direct relations, reported after a meeting with the hikers on April 27 that Sarah Shourd has serious health issues and Shane Bauer has a stomach ailment. 


Flash: Two Shot in South Berkeley This Morning

By Bay City News
Thursday May 20, 2010 - 03:07:00 PM

A man and woman were shot in south Berkeley this morning, a police spokeswoman said. 

The shooting was reported at 11:03 a.m. in the 1700 block of 63rd Street, police Officer Jamie Perkins said. 

Officers arrived and found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. They were taken to a hospital, Perkins said. She did not have an update on their conditions. 

Investigators believe the man and woman were inside a car when the suspect shot at them. 

No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. The suspect is described as a black man in his 20s who is between 5 feet 7 inches and 6 feet tall, Perkins said. He was wearing a dark sweatshirt at the time of the shooting. 


Berkeley Today: Thursday

By Riya Bhattacharjee
Thursday May 20, 2010 - 02:29:00 PM

In the news today: The City of Berkeley approves fee increases for various city programs to combat deficit; fire at the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society kills 15 cats and Berkeley’s Reel Video threatened by closure. 

Council Approves fee increases to city programs 

Faced with a $16.2 million deficit in the next fiscal year, the Berkeley City Council Tuesday approved fee increases or new fees for the Residential Preferential Parking Program, Public Health Clinical Services and Environmental Health Division, estimated to generate $107,605. The city’s latest budget plan proposes to reduce expenses by $11.9 million and projects $4.3 million in new revenues. 

The Residential Preferential Parking Program is expected to bring in $83,605 with the help of a 14 to 15 percent hike in parking permits related to annual residential and in-home care, semi-annual residential and in-home care, one-day visitor, 14-day visitor and merchant permits among others. 

The annual residential permit fee will see an increase of $34.50 from $30 per year. According to the Daily Californian , the council delayed discussion about raising fees for the city’s Permit Service Center to its next council meeting on June 1. The proposed resolution will raise fees for building and safety, land use and planning and engineering and traffic engineering permits and projects and is expected to generate $200,000. 

Fire at Berkeley’s East Bay Humane Society kills 15 cats 

The Berkeley East Bay Humane Society suffered a tremendous loss Thursday when a fire destroyed a part of its building on Ninth and Carleton streets and killed 15 of its cats. A message on the organization’s website, says: 

 

Breaking News: In the early morning of May 20, a major fire destroyed a large section of our shelter. We lost our entire cat sheltering area as well as laundry facilities and offices. We are currently without water, electricity and phone service. We lost 15 of our beautiful cats that were ready for adoption but all the dogs survived and are being cared for in our kennels and at a veterinary emergency service. 

Our most immediate needs are: 

Monetary donations. Any amount you can donate will make a difference. You can help us three ways. 

- Online, press any DONATE button on the website 

-By phone at (510) 845-7735. Our phone system is being switched to Fliqz to help you donate. 

- Mail donations to:BEBHS, 2700 9th St, Berkeley,CA 94710 

Foster Homes for dogs and cats. 

Please Contact: foster@berkeleyhumane.org 

if you have temporary space for a dog or cat. 

Volunteers: In the immediate future, we will have major cleaning and repair tasks as well as animal care. Please contact: 

volunteer@berkeleyhumane.org 

if you can spare some time to help once the tasks are organized. 

We will post updates of our needs on the website as we assess the situation. 

We want to get back to helping the community with homeless pets just as we have done since 1927. We desperately need your help in this crisis, especially with donations, to get us going again. We can only do it with your help. 

Berkeley’s Reel Video in danger of closing 

A letter by community members posted on Oaklandlocal.com informs readers that Berkeley’s Reel Video on Shattuck Ave. is in danger of closing because the parent company is losing money. Videots, another neighborhood video store in the Elmwood also closed its doors recently. The letter asks community members to write to Pixar urging them to take over Reel Video to preserve its animated film collection or to think of other ways to save the store. Read the letter here. oaklandlocal.com/blogs/2010/05/reel-video-danger-closing


Updated: Bicyclist Killed by AC Transit Bus Identified

By Bay City News
Thursday May 20, 2010 - 10:37:00 AM

The Alameda County coroner's bureau has identified a 35-year-old man who was struck and killed by an Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District bus after being knocked from his bike into traffic in Oakland Wednesday afternoon. 

Erik Fitzpatrick was riding his bike on MacArthur Boulevard near Patterson Avenue when a 42-year-old Manteca woman opened her car door, knocking him into traffic. 

Fitzpatrick was then struck by a Line NX bus and was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.  

AC Transit spokesman Clarence Johnson said Fitzpatrick and the bus were both traveling along MacArthur Boulevard, approaching Patterson Avenue, when the accident happened. 

 


New: Twelve Cats Die in Fire at Berkeley Humane Society: Foster Homes, Donations Sought

By Bay City News
Thursday May 20, 2010 - 10:34:00 AM

At least a dozen cats were killed in an overnight fire at the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society, but the actions of an animal living in an apartment above the shelter gave the sad story a silver lining. 

The one-alarm fire was reported at 11:57 p.m. Wednesday at the shelter, located at 2700 Ninth St., Berkeley Assistant Fire Chief Sabina Imrie said. 

Firefighters arrived minutes later and extinguished the blaze by 1 a.m. 

At least 12 cats died in the fire, humane society officials said. 

Further tragedy was avoided in the apartment directly above the shelter, where a dog woke up its female owner to alert her to the blaze. The woman and dog were able to exit the apartment safely, Imrie said. 

Fire officials notified the humane society about the fire, and several employees and volunteers responded and helped retrieve at least 15 cats and dogs from the shelter, Imrie said. 

The fire caused about $500,000 in damage to the shelter, she said. 

The cause of the blaze is under investigation, but authorities believe it started in a laundry dryer on the first floor, according to Imrie. 

The humane society is asking for the public's help as it recovers from the fire. Monetary donations can be given online by visiting www.berkeleyhumane.org and clicking on the "donate" tab, or mailed to BEBHS, 2700 Ninth St., Berkeley, CA 94710. 

Foster homes are being sought for many of the animals retrieved from the shelter. People who have space to temporarily house a dog or cat are asked to send an e-mail to foster@berkeleyhumane.org. 

Humane society officials are also looking for volunteers to help clean up and repair the shelter and care for the remaining animals. People interested in volunteering can send an e-mail to volunteer@berkeleyhumane.org. 


New: Bicyclist Fatally Struck by AC-Transit Bus

By Bay City News
Wednesday May 19, 2010 - 09:48:00 PM

A 35-year-old man was struck and killed by an Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District bus after being knocked from his bike into traffic on a busy Oakland street this afternoon, police said. 

The accident happened at about 4:35 p.m. on MacArthur Boulevard near Patterson Avenue. Police spokesman Officer Jeff Thomason said officers discovered the man was riding his bike when a 42-year-old Manteca woman opened her car door, knocking the bicyclist into traffic. 

The bicyclist was then struck by a Line NX bus and was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.  

AC Transit spokesman Clarence Johnson said the bicyclist and bus were both traveling along MacArthur Boulevard, approaching Patterson Avenue, when the accident happened.. 

There was no report of injuries to any passengers on the bus, which was taken out of service. 

Johnson said traffic was diverted around the intersection of MacArthur Boulevard and Patterson Avenue, but that the collision did not affected AC-Transit service otherwise. 

Thomason said officers remained in the area at 7:20 p.m., investigating the crash. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the accident. 


New: Save Our Trees from Safeway's Axe!

By Harvey Sherback (Partisan Position)
Wednesday May 19, 2010 - 06:31:00 PM

The Safeway Store on 1444 Shattuck Avenue, located in the heart of our wonderful Gourmet Ghetto, is planning to remodel their store. At the most recent meeting Safeway revealed that their plan for renovation calls for the removal of every single tree on the property! This includes the stately old grove of trees standing on the south edge of the property facing Henry Street.

There is a meeting of the Design and Review Committee on Thursday, May 20, at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Avenue, at the corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard. This meeting begins at 7:00 pm. Please attend and let your feelings be known. 

Speaking on behalf of ourselves and the neighbors of the Shattuck Avenue Safeway Store, we insist that any redesign of the property should be done in a manner that protects these trees. This grove enriches the quality of our air, our lives, and enhances the charm of the entire neighborhood. The Safeway redevelopment plan must not proceed without due consideration to the neighborhood. After all, an arboreal grove such as this takes at least a generation to reproduce. We want Safeway to create a design which conserves as many of the old, majestic trees as possible, like the giant Monterey Pine trees located on the corner of Rose Street.


Richmond City Council: Casino Four Hands Out 11-Month Extension of Point Molate Casino Land Disposition Agreement

By Councilmember Tom Butt (Partisan Position)
Wednesday May 19, 2010 - 05:05:00 PM

With a rambling and multifaceted motion, the actual details of which are still being debated, Maria Viramontes emerged last night as the new champion of the controversial Point Molate mega casino and leader of the “Casino Four.” Joined by Bates, Rogers and Lopez, the “Casino Four” gave Upstream Point Molate nearly another year’s extension of the Land Disposition Agreement (LDA) that expired in January of this year without specifically attaching any of the conditions that have been the subject of intense negotiation over the last several months. 

I believe the story in the Contra Costa Times may include some errors. My recollection is that the extension is through April of 2011, not July of 2010. The revenue from the Municipal Services Agreement is a function of the area of building constructed and begins to flow only when the facility opens for business. Upstream has made it clear that they plan to phase the project, building only a casino, hotel and a 4,000 car parking structure in Phase 1, which in the best case scenario would be 5 ½ years from now. The $16.6 million estimated revenue is based on a full build out, which Upstream has said would not occur under even the most optimistic scenario for nearly eight years. Under the MSA, most of the revenue would have to be spent providing infrastructure, services and maintenance for Point Molate, leaving little to spend in the rest of Richmond. 

Critics suggest that the construction trade unions got to Viramontes and persuaded her into reversing her last two votes that were not in support of extending the LDA. The clamor for jobs by the hard-hit construction trades was almost the only support Upstream had at the meeting where nearly 60 speakers offered testimony. The fact is that in the best case scenario, any construction jobs are at least two years away and could be even further or non-existent, depending on the success of legal challenges that are almost a certainty. 

Unfortunately, the construction trades didn’t learn much from the Chevron project. They supported a project based on a flawed EIR and got the majority vote they wanted from the “Viramontes Five” (also known as the “Chevron Five”), but the jobs evaporated when the courts threw out the EIR. With Point Molate, they are exercising the same political muscle to secure votes for an even riskier project instead of supporting an effort to make sure the approval, if it takes place, is bullet proof. 

Even with the razor thin support from a divided City Council, the casino project faces many hurdles, including a key decision from the Department of the Interior on whether or not Point Molate constitutes legitimate ancestral lands of the Guidiville Band of the Pomo Indians. The fatally flawed EIR must be certified by the City and receive a record of decision from the Department of the Interior. The Department of the Interior must decide to take the land into trust. And finally, the City Council must decide to go through with the actual sale. 

The move led by Viramontes will conveniently stifle public debate about Point Molate in the City Council Chamber until after the November 2010 election and after a new City Council is sworn in January 2011. Viramontes wants to be a part of that City Council, possibly as mayor, and be joined by like minded successful candidates that suck up to Big Oil, Big Business and Big Gambling.


El Cerrito Safeway Robbed at Gunpoint

By Bay City News
Wednesday May 19, 2010 - 05:05:00 PM

Police are looking for a man who robbed a Safeway supermarket in El Cerrito at gunpoint Tuesday night, El Cerrito police Sgt. Peter Statton said today.  

Shortly before 9:30 p.m., a man entered the supermarket at 10636 San Pablo Ave. and attempted to take over the front of the store.  

There were about 30 customers and six employees in the store at the time. The gunman ordered some of them to get down on the floor and then took cash from two registers and fled, Statton said.  

Nobody was hurt in the robbery.  

The suspect was described as a black man between 25 and 30 years old. He is about 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs about 180 pounds and was wearing a black beanie cap, a tan or brown embroidered jacket and pants with embroidery on the back, Statton said 


Hikers' Mothers Arrive in Teheran

By Bay City News
Wednesday May 19, 2010 - 04:59:00 PM

The mothers of three University of California at Berkeley graduates who have been detained in Iran for more than nine months arrived today in Tehran, the country's capital city, according to their spokeswoman.  

Spokeswoman Laura Benson said the mothers hope to meet with their children and top Iranian leaders but nothing is guaranteed at this point.  

The mothers applied for visas on Jan. 6 but didn't receive them until May 12.  

Sarah Shourd, 31, Shane Bauer, 27, and Josh Fattal, 27, have been imprisoned in Iran since July 31.  

Their family members and friends say they were detained after they crossed an unmarked border into Iran's while hiking in Iraq's Kurdistan region. But Iran has accused them of espionage and said that it plans to prosecute them, although no formal charges have been filed.  

The hikers' mothers are Nora Shourd of Oakland, Cindy Hickey of Pine City, Minn., and Laura Fattal from Elkins Park, Penn.  

Benson said the mothers flew from New York City to Dubai and then from Dubai to Tehran. She said she hopes to be able to release more information as their trip unfolds.  

In a joint statement they issued on Monday, the mothers said envoys from the Swiss Embassy, which represents U.S. interests in Iran because Iran and the U.S. don't have direct relations, last saw the three hikers on April 27. That was only the third time the hikers have received consular access in more than nine months, according to the mothers.  

The mothers said Swiss diplomats told them that Sarah Shourd has serious health issues and Shane Bauer has a stomach ailment.  

All three hikers were "despondent" at the lack of movement in their case and have spoken about going on a hunger strike, according to the mothers.  

The hikers have not been allowed access to their Iranian lawyer, Masoud Shafii, and have spoken to relatives only once by phone, which was in a short conversation on March 9, the mothers said.  

In their statement, the mothers said, "We are grateful to Iran for issuing our visas. This is an encouraging development. We are overjoyed that we will soon be able to hug our children but our joy is naturally clouded by the fear of returning home without Shane, Sarah and Josh."  

They said, "That is more than any mother, anywhere in the world, should have to bear and we would be absolutely devastated."  

The mothers added, "We hope Iran's leaders will agree to meet with us so that we can respectfully ask them to release our children as an act of human kindness to our families. We trust they will act with compassion, end our heartache, and let us all be together again as families."  

They concluded, "This nightmare has lasted too long."


Berkeley Today: Wednesday

By Riya Bhattacharjee
Wednesday May 19, 2010 - 04:16:00 PM

In the news today: The Berkeley City Council agrees to Arizona sanctions and decides not to fine large family day care centers for retroactive penalties; Berkeley sets a limit for CO2 emissions; police warn of robberies; UC Berkeley freshmen get DNA swabs as welcome presents and Berkeley High School reopens the search for a new principal. 

Berkeley restricts travel to Arizona 

The Berkeley City Council Tuesday unanimously voted to denounce Arizona’s illegal immigration bill and called for a boycott of the state of Arizona and Arizona-based businesses. The agenda item included a resolution written by Councilmember Jesse Arreguin and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Kriss Worthington, Max Anderson and Darryl Moore. Worthington said that the four councilmembers agreed to work together to oppose SB1070 at an immigration rally organized by Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action. The council also banned travel to Arizona by city employees and officials as part of the same resolution. The council also adopted language from an agenda item sponsored by Councilmembers Linda Maio and Laurie Capitelli, which opposed the discriminatory Arizona bill and urged lawmakers to adopt legislation against it. City officials said that since it was inevitable that California cities would do business with an adjoining state, the City Manager would review who applied and got new contracts with Berkeley. 

City Council drops retroactive fees for large in-home day care centers 

The council voted not to charge retroactive fees and penalties for large in-home day care centers which didn’t apply for the proper city permits. Instead, starting Jan. 1, 2010, these daycares will have to pay $150 in business license fees. New large in-home daycares will have to pay a $500 permit fee as well as the business license fee. Owners of large in-home daycares spoke at the council meeting against the retroactive fees and fines. One woman pointed out that she had asked the city’s permit center whether she needed a special permit to open a large in-home daycare and was told no. 

The council also decided that the Berkeley Planning Commission will determine what regulations should be required for large family in-home daycares. The commission will come back to council by September with the proposed zoning regulations. 

Berkeley sets a limit for CO2 emissions 

Berkeley became the second city in the U.S. after Richmond, Calif. to recognize 350 PPM as the recommended carbon dioxide level based on scientific research. City Officials said that the resolution would help Berkeley reach its climate action goals. At first Councilmember Gordon Wozniak said he had some concerns about the resolution mainly because it might cost the city a lot of money, but then the council moved the agenda item and it was approved unanimously. So far, about 112 countries have adopted the same CO2 goal. For more information: www.350.org
 

Citizens’ sunshine ordinance 

A discussion about the cost of funding a sunshine ordinance proposed by a group of Berkeley citizens was listed on the Council’s Tuesday agenda as “Summary of Costs Related to the Initiative Ordinance Enacting New Requirements for the City Council and Rent Stabilization Board and Boards and Commissions Relating to Agendas and Meetings, Requiring Additional Disclosure of Public Records, and Creating a New Commission”.It did not result in any votes being taken by the council. 

City Manager Phil Kamlarz said that he thought the citizens’ version of the sunshine ordinance would be extremely expensive. Several councilmembers suggested holding a workshop to discuss the ordinance, but Mayor Bates opposed holding a workshop unless the initiative is withdrawn, and no vote was taken. The citizens’ group is currently trying to get signatures to put their proposed ordinance on the Nov. 2010 ballot. The city clerk informed the council that if the group fails to get the required number of signatures by next week then they will not be able to put it before the voters in November. They can continue until September to collect signatures to put it on the June 2012 ballot. 

Berkeley police warn of robberies 

Berkeley police are asking the public to remain vigilant about a group of robbers who sneak up on people from behind, hit them in the head and take off with their belongings. According to a press release from Berkeley police, the group—comprised of four men and women—has hit pedestrians three times in April and May. They robbed a person at Shattuck Avenue and Center Street in downtown Berkeley at midnight on April 28. On May 6, they struck people once in the 2500 block of Benvenue Avenue and again at Parker and Fulton streets. Police said that victims have described the group as two black men and two Latino women in their late teens or early 20s. 

Anyone with any information should call the Berkeley Police robbery department at 510-981-5742.  

UC Berkeley Freshmen get DNA swabs 

Even as it struggles with budget cuts, fee hikes and layoffs, UC Berkeley is getting creative about ways to welcome its incoming freshmen. The latest idea involves taking DNA swabs from inside students’ cheeks which would be analyzed to help them find ways to make their lives healthier. Some students in the class of 2014 will even get the chance to have their DNA mapped by the private DNA profiling company 23andMe. Although the university hasn’t yet named a company who will carry out the DNA testing for the freshmen, the cost per 1,000 samples, according to the New York Times is a whopping $35,000 to $40,000. 

Berkeley High to start principal selection process from scratch 

With Principal Jim Slemp retiring in June and no suitable candidate in sight to replace him, Berkeley High School will be hiring a consultant to find the right person to lead Berkeley’s only public high school. Slemp announced his retirement in March and since then the district has received more than 40 applications. The district, however, only picked a handful for interviews, of which only three showed up. 

The Berkeley Unified School District hopes to have someone in place by July 1.


School Governance at Berkeley High: Resource Allocation, School Plan, Test Scores (News Analysis)

By Raymond Barglow berkeleytutors.net
Saturday May 15, 2010 - 03:30:00 PM

As the current school year winds down at Berkeley High, it’s time to finalize plans for the new one, including the allocation of resources. It’s time as well to evaluate the year now coming to an end, and both of these tasks were on the agenda of the most recent governance council meeting this past Tuesday. 

Resource Allocation. SGC members discussed how to determine the distribution of funds for the purchase of supplies ranging from art materials and sports equipment to new technology. Given the funding cutbacks that are affecting all California public schools, discussions of resource distribution become all the more difficult. The six small learning community programs (“small schools”) compete with one another to obtain increasingly scarce resources. 

It was noted at the SGC meeting that the four smaller schools at Berkeley High receive funding that is unavailable to the two larger programs. Yet all of the programs are coping with shortfalls of supplies. Principal Slemp said that there are limits on changing the distribution of resources, “Private donors decide where they want to donate.” 

The SGC agreed to have a development committee review anticipated needs for supplies for the coming school year. Teacher Ray Cagan will lead this committee, and the various programs and departments at the school were requested to submit expenditures lists to him.  

School Plan. Parent representative Peggy Scott asked when the SGC is going to review the school plan. Her question was not answered at the meeting, but later SGC Co-chair Linda Gonzalez told the Daily Planet that the school plan will be on the agenda at the next SGC meeting in May.  

According to Scott, the governing council was supposed to evaluate the school plan this spring and is in fact obligated by law to do so. The California Education Code says that “The Schoolsite council [which in the case of Berkeley High is currently the SGC) shall annually review the school plan, establish a new budget, and if necessary, make other modifications in the plan to reflect changing needs and priorities.” Consideration of the school plan, said Scott, has been postponed three times and there’s only one scheduled meeting before the end of the school year. “We still could do it,” Scott added, “if we have more meetings.” 

Gonzalez did not rule out the possibility of more meetings devoted to examination of the school plan. But she takes exception to the view that the plan has not been subject to scrutiny: “It is a living document. Teachers have been using and revising the plan in their daily work.” Given the funding cuts and many pressures on school staff, Gonzalez doesn’t think it’s a good idea for the SGC to concentrate on the plan right now, “I don’t think it’s a good use of teachers’ time.” But she added, “I understand the concern. If anyone has anything they want to change, they can suggest that.” 

The plan is now in its sixth year of implementation, and will receive detailed examination during the official accreditation process next year. That’s another reason, according to Gonzalez, for not spending a lot of time on it now. 

Some parent representatives on the SGC disagree. They point out that the aim of the state education code, which requires annual reconsideration of the school plan by the governing council, including its community members, is to make the community an active partner in determining the priorities and the direction of the school. “Our obligation,” said Scott, “is to analyze the plan.” In her view, that is not being done.  

Budgetary considerations are relevant to school plan evaluation, and one of the current problems, according to Scott, is that the school administration has not yet presented a budget to the SGC. In her view, the SGC needs that information in order to comply with the Education Code, which explicitly assigns budget approval to the school council. 

Test Scores. The education code further stipulates that a school action plan “shall be based on scientifically based research and … be data driven.” Indeed the district has been making an attempt to gather relevant BHS data. Math teacher Jessica Quindel made a presentation to the SGC of results from five standardized tests that have been administered over the past two school years. That data show that Berkeley High students achieve on average substantially higher scores than those achieved by students statewide.  

However, there is great variation in levels of student performance both within and between the six small schools at Berkeley High. The district data presented to the SGC over the past year confirms a large achievement gap: the test scores of white and Asian students are, on average, substantially higher than those of African- American and Latino students. Quindel said that “The gap that we experience at Berkeley High is also a statewide gap.” When SAT scores are disaggregated by ethnicity, they show that Berkeley High students in every ethnic group score higher than the state-wide average for that group. For example, African American students at Berkeley High outscore African American students statewide. 

Still, the gap between higher and lower achieving students at Berkeley High is a wide one and, according to Gonzales, the school plan has been updated to address the problem. The “20/20 Vision” goals, which seek elimination of the gap by the year 2020, were incorporated into the plan last year. 

Following Quindel’s report on test scores, teacher Phil Halpern and other SGC members asked about the practical implications of this information. Since the SAT, for example, presumes to test aptitude, what does it tell us about student achievement? Quindel said that she was only presenting the test score information to the SGC, not interpreting it, although she did comment that the SAT measures achievement as well as aptitude. 

The Relevance of the Data. Indeed it is challenging to discern the policy implications of standardized test performance statistics. Given the different educational aims of the six small learning communities, the different skill levels that students bring to these communities when they first enter them, and the fact that many students do not take the standardized tests, the district’s data about tests and scores do not provide strong evidence regarding how well these communities are educating their students. 

As well, a case can be made that the push to use standardized tests to evaluate education obscures what really needs to be done. Teachers have often testified that they need smaller class sizes, stronger support systems, and more resources to do their jobs well. Some educators ask: why look for new solutions when the old ones are staring us in the face?  

Schools have nevertheless to apportion the meager resources at their disposal as wisely as possible, and to do that they must evaluate program effectiveness. Given that grading policy at Berkeley High is not uniform across the six small learning communities, test scores provide an important measure of how students in each community are doing relative to the other communities and to students at other high schools in California and nationwide. Test data are relevant as well to evaluation of the progress, or lack thereof, made by struggling students and students of color. Additional data can come directly from teachers at Berkeley High. They know from their own experience what works and does not work in the classroom, and the effort to improve education at the school should draw in a systematic way upon their experience. 

SGC parent representative Margit Roos-Collins told the Daily Planet that test score results can contribute to program evaluation. She cited as an example the use of longitudinal data that track a cohort of students over time; the California Standards Test (CST) scores achieved by eighth graders could be compared to their subsequent test scores in high school to measure progress. If a program aims to improve performance for a certain category of students – those experiencing difficulties in math, for instance – then a longitudinal study that follows those students specifically could measure the effectiveness of that particular program. 

By all accounts, governing a large school like Berkeley High consisting of diverse small learning communities, in an era of severe funding shortfalls, is enormously challenging. Community participation and support are vital. At the next SGC meeting on Tuesday May 25 at 4 PM in the Community Theater, the BUSD Policy Committee will explain its draft for a school site council that will replace the current SGC. Discussion of the school plan will be on the agenda as well. The public is invited to attend.


Berkeley Today

By Riya Bhattacharjee
Monday May 17, 2010 - 09:18:00 PM

In the news today: Bayer Pharmaceutical’s announcement of a new Innovation Center will not change anything for its Berkeley campus, the Berkeley City Council tonight (Tuesday) will consider an Arizona travel ban and a request for continuation for reconsideration of the Berkeley Iceland landmark designation. 

Bayer to open Innovation Center in Mission Bay 

Bayer’s announcement Tuesday about opening a new Innovation Center in Mission Bay will not change the pharmaceutical company’s operations in Berkeley, company spokesperson Cathy J. Keck Anderson said. The employees moving to the U.S. Innovation Center are currently based in Richmond. 

The Innovation Center will introduce a newly formed “Science Hub” for innovation sourcing in the country creating collaborations with academic research scientists and small biotech firms to “realize product development and commercialization of new therapies through partnerships with Bayer.” The U.S. Innovation Center will house Bayer scientists who carry out the company’s hematology research program focused on coagulation factors and the discovery of novel biologic drug candidates. 

This is the second time in less than a year that Bayer has decided to invest in the Bay Area. In September, Bayer decided to stay on at its Aquatic Park campus in Berkeley and invest $100 million in Kogenate research in exchange for tax incentives. 

Berkeley City Council to consider Arizona travel ban 

The Berkeley City Council will vote today on whether to denounce the Arizona State Senate Bill 1070 and call for a boycott of the state and businesses based there. The council will also vote on whether to ban all non-essential travel by city employees and officials to Arizona. According to a report from Councilmembers Kriss Worthington, Jesse Arreguin and Darryl Moore, ‘the bill requires police “when practicable” to detain people they “reasonably suspect” are in the country without authorization; allows the police to charge immigrants with a state crime for not carrying immigration documents; creates a private right of action to sue cities upon belief that the government has a policy or practice that restricts immigration law enforcement; and makes it a crime to stop on a public street to attempt to hire a temporary worker.” The report from the councilmembers warns that the illegal immigration bill will “inevitably lead to racial profiling, jeopardize public safety and create a wedge between law enforcement and ethnic communities.” 

Berkeley to revisit large home family daycare fees 

The Berkeley City Council will vote on whether to direct the City Manager to review the business license and zoning regulations related to large, in-home family daycare businesses and return to the council with 

1. Defines “large family in-home day cares” as per the state of CA; 

2. Establishes a flat rate for an annual business license fee of $150; 

3. Exempts large family in-home daycares from paying business license registration, past due fees and any fines accrued prior to January 2010 but requires such fees from January 1, 2010 on; 

4. Proactively works with BALDCOA, Bananas, and current providers to develop a method of providing new and existing childcare licensees with information about the city ordinances; 

5. Exempts large family in home daycares operating before January 1, 2010 from the requirement to obtain an AUP. 

City Council to consider continuation of Berkeley Island landmark status 

The City Council will also vote on whether to continue the reconsideration of the Berkeley Iceland as a City of Berkeley landmark. Iceland’s owners East Bay Iceland (EBI) are asking for a six month continuation to consider proposals for the site. 

After Berkeley Iceland was designated a city landmark in 2007 by the City Council, its owners challenged the decision in court. On Nov. 20, 2009, the California Superior Court of Alameda County passed a judgment that settled the lawsuit. 

The settlement requires that the council rescind its 2007 action and hold a new, duly noticed, public hearing to reconsider EBI’s appeal of the landmarking. Although a hearing was originally set for Jan. 19, 2010, a request from Save Berkeley Iceland, the group trying to buy the property, and EBI, the council continued it to May 18, 2010. 

On May 4, representatives of EBI requested another continuation during which they will seek proposals to purchase and develop the property and may enter into a contract for sale.


Berkeley Police Seek Four Suspects in Connection With Recent Robberies

By Bay City News
Friday May 14, 2010 - 04:17:00 PM

Berkeley police are seeking four suspects believed to be responsible for at least two robberies just south of the University of California at Berkeley campus in the past few weeks.  

In both robberies, victims were approached from behind by a group of people who struck them with an unknown object and stole their belongings, according to police.  

The first robbery was reported at about midnight April 28 near the intersection of Shattuck Avenue and Center Street. Another was reported at 8:14 p.m. on May 6 in the 2500 block of Benvenue Avenue, police said.  

The suspects have been described as a group of two Hispanic or black men and two Hispanic women.  

One of the men was described as being in his 20s, about 5 feet 10 inches tall with a thin build, and was wearing a dark shirt and blue jeans. The other man was described as being in his late teens or early 20s, about 5 feet 6 inches tall with a medium-to-heavy build, and was wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans.  

The women are both in their late teens or early 20s and about 5 feet 3 inches tall. One has a thin build and was wearing a light blue or gray shirt and denim jeans, and the other has a medium build and was wearing a dark jacket and denim jeans, according to police.  

Police are advising residents to remain aware of their surroundings. Items like iPods, cell phones and headphones limit awareness, and are also items thieves focus on to steal.  

Anyone with information about these robberies are asked to contact the Police Department's robbery detail at (510) 981-5742 or the non-emergency number at (510) 981-5900. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call the Bay Area Crime Stoppers tip line at (800) 222-TIPS.


Lamp Switch Started House Fire

Dan McMenamin, BCN
Friday May 14, 2010 - 02:58:00 PM

A three-alarm fire that destroyed a home and damaged two others in North Berkeley on Thursday afternoon was apparently caused by a faulty lamp switch, an assistant fire chief said today. 

The blaze was reported at 12:02 p.m. at a home in the 500 block of San Luis Road, Assistant Fire Chief Sabina Imrie said. 

The fire was caused by a malfunction in the lamp switch, and the lamp was surrounded by papers that fueled the fire, Imrie said. 

The blaze caused at least $500,000 in structural damage to the home, rendering it uninhabitable. It also caused at least $100,000 in damage to two neighboring homes, according to Imrie. 

The owner of the home where the fire started was displaced, along with her sister and their dog. The dog was rescued from the home by a neighbor during the blaze, Imrie said.  

The residents in the two neighboring homes were able to return to their houses later Thursday after they were deemed safe and utility services were turned back on in the area, she said. 

No residents or firefighters were injured by the blaze.


Life and Death on the Arizona Border

New America Media, Interview by Sandip Roy
Thursday May 13, 2010 - 10:18:00 AM

Margaret Regan has been covering immigration for over a decade for the Tucson Weekly and other publications. Her book is “The Death of Josseline: Immigration Stories from the Arizona-Mexico Borderlands.” She talked to NAM editor, Sandip Roy. 

Why has Arizona become this laboratory for the anti-illegal immigration movement? 

A big part of the reason is that Arizona has been Ground Zero for immigration for about 10 years now. We have more migrants passing through here and going to other points in the country, and more migrants dying, than in any other border state. And we have a large population of undocumented people living within Arizona – estimated to be anything between 400,000 and 600,000. 

How did Arizona become Ground Zero?? 

This goes back to the early ‘90s when so many immigrants were pouring in through San Diego and El Paso. It had become a political problem. People were seen pouring through and running across the highway. During the Clinton administration, the decision was made to seal up those borders. The idea was: If they sealed up those urban crossings, they would have taken care of the problem because the territory in between was so forbidding it would be too dangerous for people to try to cross. That territory is Arizona where we have perilous deserts and mountains that rise to 9000 feet. And the idea was that geography would take care of the problem. That didn’t happen. It didn’t take into account the desperation of people. Immigration through Arizona started skyrocketing instead. 

What are the most dramatic ways in which the border has changed?? 

One of the most dramatic changes is the hardening of the border. We have seen many, many miles of walls built in between Arizona and Sonora in Mexico. There used to be a little barbed-wire fence. Now you will find big metal walls, 14-16 feet high, extending for miles and miles. In many places, there is stadium lighting. You will see roads next to the walls in places that used to be remote wilderness areas, private ranches and public lands. You have a lot of activity now – Border Patrol going up and down the roads in their SUVs, helicopters, towers. 

You have written that the road the Border Patrol has built along the borders also helped the drug smugglers.? 

On the Mexican side they can throw over whatever, and they have a truck waiting and it can speed away. Before, they too were inhibited by the wilderness. Now, they have a nice road.  

As immigration enforcement has tightened, have you seen changes in who is coming?? 

There are more women coming. And there are more deaths of women. It used to be a more fluid situation where a husband or father would go up to the U.S. and work seasonally or for a couple of years, but come home for holidays. Now, it’s much harder. So we have more migrants trying to reach their husbands and fathers or mothers. So we have a more vulnerable population crossing the border. 

Who is Josseline, who you use for the title of the book?? 

She was a girl who had been left behind in El Salvador with her brother. Her mother was working in L.A. The dad was working in Maryland. When they were 14 and 10, the mother had saved up enough money to bring them across. They were traveling all the way from El Salvador. The mother had thought she had entrusted the children to people she could rely on.  

[The siblings] traveled all the way up through Mexico and crossed over into Arizona. Then they had to cross a very difficult mountainous desert. Up there Josseline got sick. A lot of people get sick drinking infected water because there are cow tanks. She became too sick to continue. The whole group, including the people Josseline’s mother thought she could trust, left her there and dragged the brother away. It’s been reported that the 10-year-old brother begged to stay with his sister and she said, “No, you have to continue on to mom.” The group didn’t get to L.A. till three days later. At that point the brother told the mother and the alarm was raised. Three weeks later a young activist volunteer came across Josseline’s body on the trail. 

You said there is a web site that gives the weather forecast and the probability of death alongside the terrain.? 

That was a University of Arizona project – a collaboration with the Pima County medical examiner. They noticed the number of deaths rose on the days when it was really hot. The association is pretty inescapable. So they calculated this algorithm – you can plug in a temperature and you can see what your odds are for dying. Not that the migrants will have access to this information. But they are doing it for their own purposes and to help activists and Border Patrol realize when the days are the most dangerous. But Josseline died in the winter. People are sometimes surprised how cold Arizona can be. If you are out and it’s wet and the temperature is below freezing, you will be in trouble. 

But strangely if you are in a life-threatening situation and the Border Patrol picks you up you can get into the United States.? 

I have a story in my book about a sort of escape clause. If you are dangerously injured, and you are rescued by Border Patrol --and they do quite a few rescues, they have a whole SWAT team called Borstar-- they switch hats. They are rescue people, not law enforcement officials. I participated in a rescue of a Honduran woman who had a life-threatening injury and they never even asked her name. One agent said to me as far as he was concerned she was a bird watcher who broke her leg. The positive view is that they are concentrating on saving people. The critique is that they don’t want to take financial responsibility for critically injured people that they bring to the hospital.  

But if you are rescued by Borstar and you are not in a life-threatening situation, it’s different. A woman gave birth in the desert and the child was in danger. The Border Patrol evacuated the child by helicopter. She was brought by ambulance. But after two days, she was discharged from the hospital and booked and arrested. 

The new bill SB 1070 got pushed through partly because a rancher got killed along the border. Is there a huge fear of Mexico and the drug war happening there?? 

Very much so. There is a terrible drug war in Mexico. Our local Mexican town of Nogales has always been a place where people from Tucson would go down for the day. They have all kinds of shops, handicrafts, restaurants. It’s charming. People are afraid of going. The fear is you could be randomly down there and be shot. I fear those shopkeepers down there will lose their livelihood and ironically, we will have more candidates for migrating across the border. 

The murder of the rancher was very significant. It seems to have changed the conversation. The ranchers and the people on the border have borne the brunt of this policy for years. They used to be living in a place that was remote, quiet, peaceful. Now they are in the middle of an international crisis – they have Border Patrol all over the place and some of the world’s poorest people crossing their land. They have their houses broken into. People steal food primarily. Ranchers complain migrants cut their fences. Cows will eat anything and they eat discarded plastic water bottles. So they have been at their wit’s end. And the murder of this man, who actually was well-respected and used to give water to migrants, really inflamed the issue. 

Border stories blur into each other. Has any story really surprised you?? 

Marta Garcia was an impoverished woman from Honduras. She had two children. Her husband had disappeared in his efforts to cross into the U.S. She believes that he is dead. She made the decision she would have to make this dangerous journey. She left the kids with the in-laws, rode up by bus, contracted with a coyote. Very often these people are lied to, told this is a very short walk. This is a person who has a little bit of extra weight, was not used to vigorous hiking. The coyote had said it would be a few hours.  

After eight hours they are still hiking very rocky trails that are so easy to trip on. You trip on the rocks because you are looking overhead so you won’t crash into the cactus. She fell and broke her femur. She said the coyote was going to shoot her. His idea was to put her out of her misery since she was sure to die out there. And he got out his gun. She pleaded for her life. He finally said, “your choice.”  

There she was alone. She was freezing at night. She lay there all night in excruciating pain thinking about her children. With the morning light a Mexican family crossed up the hill to where she was and found her and said, ‘we are going to help you.’ They gave up their own chance to get into the United States in order to save Marta’s life.  

One of them, a genial fellow named Raul, stayed with her. The rest of the family went out to the road, flagged down the Border Patrol and took them back to Marta Gomez. She was airlifted to Tucson. I was with the group rescuing her and this migrant man, Raul. And I asked him “Why did you do it? Why did you give up your chance to save this woman you don’t even know?” And he said, “I had to. I had to save a human life.”  


PG&E Apologizes for Smart Meter Problems, but Some Aren't Satisfied

By Bay City News
Thursday May 13, 2010 - 09:33:00 AM

PG&E on Monday issued an apology along with 45 reports dating back to August 2006 detailing reviews, monitoring, testing, and corrections identified in the company's SmartMeter program. 

"While 99 percent of our SmartMeter devices are installed and working properly, we recognize that even having less than 1 percent of meters with issues is still 50,000 customers, and that's too many," said Helen Burt, senior vice president and chief customer officer of the San Francisco-based utility that serves much of Northern and Central California. "We pledge to address customer service issues better than we have been, more quickly, and more aggressively." 

SmartMeters are advanced utility meters that wirelessly communicate usage information to customers and utility companies. The California Pacific Utilities Commission approved PG&E to install the newer, smarter meters because, they said, the meters would give customers detailed information about their own energy usage, encouraging them to cut down. 

But since PG&E began sporadic installation of the SmartMeters throughout the state in November 2006, the CPUC, PG&E, and various consumer advocacy groups have received numerous complaints about overcharging and other concerns. 

Specifically, the CPUC said they have received approximately 600 complaints in PG&E's service area since January 2009, compared to 10 in Edison's service area in Southern California and 15 in the San Diego Gas and Electric Company's service area. 

As a result of the complaints - many of which came from consumers in the San Joaquin Valley during the summer of 2009 - and pressure from legislators like Senator Dean Florez, D-Shafter, the CPUC launched an investigation into the company in March of this year. 

PG&E spokesman Paul Moreno said the company has received roughly 1,000 complaints, and he also confirmed that there have been some 23,000 cases since 2006 in which a piece of equipment called the "gas module" was incorrectly installed, many of which resulted in an incorrect gas bill. 

But Moreno said that nearly all of those situations have been rectified with customers and others preempted. He said the company expects all of their customers to have SmartMeters installed by 2012. 

"We're installing about 15,000 per day," he said. 

After issuing their apology on Monday, PG&E outlined some of the steps they are taking to address consumer complaints, including expanding testing, increasing the number of customer service "answer centers" and adding more customer service representatives, among others. 

But Mindy Spatt, spokeswoman for the consumer advocacy group The Utility Reform Network, said the company should stop installing the meters altogether until the CPUC has completed their investigation. 

The CPUC stated that it nixed the moratorium idea because the number of complaints compared to the total number of installations doesn't validate it. "There are millions of SmartMeters operating around the globe with no complaints," it said. 

In the meantime, customers like Larry Chang, who is a small business owner in Oakland, have decided to refuse the SmartMeters by posting signage on their meters. 

Chang said the company has not provided enough information about the benefits to the customers to warrant the installations. Although the company has touted that the technology will allow customers to track their energy usage, Chang said he would have to buy all new "Smart" appliances if he really wants to use SmartMeters as a personal energy auditing system. 

Chang was one of 50 community members in Oakland who agreed to refuse SmartMeter installations in a neighborhood meeting focused on the potential benefits and detriments of the technology held last Tuesday. He plans to keep a sign on his old utility meter that reads "Don't even think about installing a 'SmartMeter' here," until PG&E caves. 

"If I could find a way to get off of PG&E Service, I might very well do that at some point," said Chang.


Hoeft-Edenfield Convicted of Second-Degree Murder for Stabbing UC Berkeley Student

Bay City News
Thursday May 13, 2010 - 03:03:00 PM

Jurors this morning convicted Andrew Hoeft-Edenfield of second-degree murder for the stabbing death of University of California at Berkeley senior Christopher Wootton near campus two years ago.  

Wootton was stabbed in a confrontation in the parking lot of a sorority house in the 2400 block of Warring Street at about 2:45 a.m. May 3, 2008.  

Jurors announced their verdict after deliberating for the equivalent of three full days.  

Yolanda Huang, the defense attorney for Hoeft-Edenfield, 22, told jurors in her closing argument that Wootton's death "could well have been an accident."  

The stabbing occurred at the end of a drunken shouting match that developed when Hoeft-Edenfield and a group of his friends encountered Wootton and his friends on a street near campus.  

Huang admitted that Hoeft-Edenfield, who worked at Jamba Juice in Berkeley and attended Berkeley City College, stabbed Wootton but said he acted in self-defense after he was outnumbered, surrounded, kicked and stomped by Wootton and a large group of Wootton's friends.  

Huang said Hoeft-Edenfield should be acquitted, telling jurors, "It's time for you to send Mr. Hoeft-Edenfield home to his family and for this to be over."  

But prosecutor Connie Campbell called the idea that the death was an accident "outrageous."  

Campbell said Hoeft-Edenfield intentionally drove his three-and-a-half-inch knife into Wootton's chest with so much force that it broke a rib and created a gash in Wootton's heart, causing him to die from blood loss.  

The prosecutor alleged that Hoeft-Edenfield and his friends had an opportunity to walk away from the confrontation but that Hoeft-Edenfield escalated the situation.  

Wootton, 21, who was from Bellflower in Southern California, was only weeks away from graduating with honors in nuclear engineering. He planned to continue studying nuclear engineering in graduate school at UC Berkeley.  

Hoeft-Edenfield bowed his head and put his hand over his head after the jury's verdict was read and remained seated with his back to jurors when they left court.  

He faces a term of at least 15 years to life when he returns to court on June 10 to be sentenced by Alameda County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Horner.


UC Berkeley Hunger Strike Ends with Meeting

Bay City News
Monday May 17, 2010 - 03:05:00 PM

Protesters ended a 10-day hunger strike yesterday on the University of California at Berkeley campus during a meeting with the university chancellor and top administrators that both sides called productive. 

The protest was in part a response to Arizona's new immigration law, which allows police to question people they believe to be in the country illegally. On Friday, UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau publicly denounced the law. 

That denouncement was one of a number of demands protesters made since beginning the hunger strike last week outside of California Hall. 

The group's other demands included making the UC Berkeley campus into a "sanctuary campus" for students and workers, dropping the charges against the students involved in a protest late last year at Wheeler Hall, revising student code of conduct rules, and bringing back laid-off workers. 

Protesters held a rally Tuesday urging Birgeneau to meet with them to address their demands, and the chancellor met the group's negotiators at 4 p.m. today inside California Hall, said Marco Amaral, a spokesman for the hunger strikers. 

UC Berkeley spokeswoman Claire Holmes tonight called the meeting "very productive'' and said the university and protesters came to several agreements that will be officially worked out over the next week in a "common statement of understanding.'' 

Among the agreements, Holmes said the university will expand a task force that looks at issues surrounding undocumented students and workers, will continue to examine the student code of conduct, and will continue to work with labor management to address concerns regarding layoffs. 

Holmes said the university would also continue to consider community service as a substitute disciplinary measure for those involved in the protests at Wheeler Hall.  

Following the meeting, Amaral said the protesters and the university had found a "middle ground'' and he was happy with the outcome, but added, "Our biggest accomplishment was within our community, raising awareness.'' 

He said fasters broke their strike by eating corn. 

On Tuesday, eight of the 15 students and workers who had been participating in the hunger strike since the beginning started a "dry strike," meaning they did not eat or drink until it ended today, Amaral said. At least 20 people partook in the strike. Amaral said four were hospitalized, but returned for today's gathering.


Monday May 24, 2010 - 02:30:00 PM


Updated: Opera Double Bill at Hillside Club on Saturday

Tuesday May 18, 2010 - 09:44:00 AM

Verismo Opera, Northern California’s mobile opera theater, will be back in Berkeley with the double bill of Suor Angelica and Cavelleria Rusticana next Saturday, May 22, at 7:30 pm at the Berkeley Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar. 

Berkeley soprano Eliza O’Malley, who will sing the title role, says that “Suor Angelica is one of the few operas that have multiple roles for women and consequently gets to show more female personality types than most operas. In fact all of the characters are women. Some docile, some rebellious, some passionate, some flatfooted, some wretchedly mean etc... It's popular with small companies and universities for this reason. It's a wonderful opportunity to cast women singers. Usually about 90% of people at any given opera audition are women." 

The lead in Cavelleria Rusticana will be sung by Verismo’s company founder, Fred Winthrop, veteran of both the U.S. Air Force and the San Francisco Opera chorus, as well as of lead roles in many opera productions in the Bay Area. 

The conductor is Corey Wilkins, with musical accompaniment by the Dolanc String Quartet. 

General Admission is $17 with special rates of $12 for seniors, students and Hillside Club members. 

The company's last Hillside club appearance with La Traviata played to a full house, so it might wise to call 510-644-2967 (CORRECTED) or 707-864-5508 for advance tickets, or to buy them from Brown Paper Tickets: online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/111179 or by phone around the clock at 800-838-3006.


PG&E Apologizes for Smart Meter Problems, but Some Aren't Satisfied

Bay City News
Monday May 17, 2010 - 03:07:00 PM

PG&E on Monday issued an apology along with 45 reports dating back to August 2006 detailing reviews, monitoring, testing, and corrections identified in the company's SmartMeter program. 

"While 99 percent of our SmartMeter devices are installed and working properly, we recognize that even having less than 1 percent of meters with issues is still 50,000 customers, and that's too many," said Helen Burt, senior vice president and chief customer officer of the San Francisco-based utility that serves much of Northern and Central California. "We pledge to address customer service issues better than we have been, more quickly, and more aggressively." 

SmartMeters are advanced utility meters that wirelessly communicate usage information to customers and utility companies. The California Pacific Utilities Commission approved PG&E to install the newer, smarter meters because, they said, the meters would give customers detailed information about their own energy usage, encouraging them to cut down. 

But since PG&E began sporadic installation of the SmartMeters throughout the state in November 2006, the CPUC, PG&E, and various consumer advocacy groups have received numerous complaints about overcharging and other concerns. 

Specifically, the CPUC said they have received approximately 600 complaints in PG&E's service area since January 2009, compared to 10 in Edison's service area in Southern California and 15 in the San Diego Gas and Electric Company's service area. 

As a result of the complaints - many of which came from consumers in the San Joaquin Valley during the summer of 2009 - and pressure from legislators like Senator Dean Florez, D-Shafter, the CPUC launched an investigation into the company in March of this year. 

PG&E spokesman Paul Moreno said the company has received roughly 1,000 complaints, and he also confirmed that there have been some 23,000 cases since 2006 in which a piece of equipment called the "gas module" was incorrectly installed, many of which resulted in an incorrect gas bill. 

But Moreno said that nearly all of those situations have been rectified with customers and others preempted. He said the company expects all of their customers to have SmartMeters installed by 2012. 

"We're installing about 15,000 per day," he said. 

After issuing their apology on Monday, PG&E outlined some of the steps they are taking to address consumer complaints, including expanding testing, increasing the number of customer service "answer centers" and adding more customer service representatives, among others. 

But Mindy Spatt, spokeswoman for the consumer advocacy group The Utility Reform Network, said the company should stop installing the meters altogether until the CPUC has completed their investigation. 

The CPUC stated that it nixed the moratorium idea because the number of complaints compared to the total number of installations doesn't validate it. "There are millions of SmartMeters operating around the globe with no complaints," it said. 

In the meantime, customers like Larry Chang, who is a small business owner in Oakland, have decided to refuse the SmartMeters by posting signage on their meters. 

Chang said the company has not provided enough information about the benefits to the customers to warrant the installations. Although the company has touted that the technology will allow customers to track their energy usage, Chang said he would have to buy all new "Smart" appliances if he really wants to use SmartMeters as a personal energy auditing system. 

Chang was one of 50 community members in Oakland who agreed to refuse SmartMeter installations in a neighborhood meeting focused on the potential benefits and detriments of the technology held last Tuesday. He plans to keep a sign on his old utility meter that reads "Don't even think about installing a 'SmartMeter' here," until PG&E caves. 

"If I could find a way to get off of PG&E Service, I might very well do that at some point," said Chang.


This Week at the Berkeley Arts Festival

Bonnie Hughes
Monday May 17, 2010 - 02:54:00 PM

Every Friday at noon: catch pianist Jerry Kuderna’s Friday Lunch Concerts, 

the always surprising repertoire of and comments of one of a Berkeley's unique musicians. 

On May 19, at 8 pm the Festival will present composer, multimedia artist Dean Santomieri  

Santomieri's multimedia excursions feature resonator guitar, spoken word and video. For the Arts Festival he will engage in a duo-log with actress, screenwriter Julie Oxendale. 

The Berkeley Arts Festival will run for the entire month of May at 2121 Allston Way, the future home of the Judah L. Magnes Museum in downtown Berkeley. 

Suggested donation: $10. 

For entire calendar of events see berkeleyartsfestival.com


Opinion

Editorials

Can Warren Hellman Save Journalism?

By Becky O'Malley
Monday May 17, 2010 - 12:44:00 PM

It’s an unusual experience to go to a meeting and afterwards read not one but two reasonably accurate reports about what happened there. But since the one I went to on Friday was the latest installment in the ongoing saga of The Future of Journalism, it’s not surprising that at least two accounts were online before two sunsets had passed.

There have been many stories told in various places about what’s happening with Warren Hellman’s media baby, born as the Bay Area News Project but recently rebaptized as the Bay Citizen. I took my little spiral reporter’s notebook to the meeting which they hosted for a few of the Bay Area’s many blogs and online news organs, but I don’t think I can improve on these two renditions. 

One is the straight dope on what happened, with just the right edge of snark, written as a blog for SF Weekly by Lois Beckett. It’s surprising to see something so good in the often awful SF Weekly, and it’s even more surprising when you google the writer’s gold-plated bio (Exeter, Harvard Crimson, Nieman award, yadda yadda.)The journalism market is in a sorry state indeed if this is the best job she can get. 

And the other one’s a satiric column, on the Smirking Chimp site, from Bob Patterson, an old-timer who’s been around more than one block—you’d think there would be a solid job for someone with his experience too, but no more, no how. 

I will say that as a person with some business experience I was not one of those whose eyes sparkled when 25 bucks was mentioned as the—let’s just call it an honorarium—for the right to re-publish content on the Bay Citizen site and even in the New York Times. 

Bob raised a valid question: “Staff members from both the Berkeleyside and Berkeley Daily Planet websites were present and that brought up an interesting aspect of the new journalism venture: will competitors be comfortable in a co-op group?” 

Given the current crash of news reporting in general, it’s hard for us at the Planet to worry about competition. As Berkeley citizens who care a lot about outcomes, we think the more everyone knows about what’s going on, the better off we’ll all be. We appreciate any newsgathering efforts from any source—the more the merrier. 

We got into this in the first place because we were tired of nothing but oh-so-quaint Bezerkeley stories in the Chronicle, a phenomenon that has largely disappeared. I myself even enjoy a bit of soft-feature fluff coverage of food and fun, apparently the bread and butter of the Times’ newly launched Bay Area coverage, as long as it’s not All Cutesy All the Time. 

In the seven years since we purchased the Planet, real reporting on Berkeley and the urban East Bay has improved dramatically, even in the face of drastic funding cutbacks at what’s left of the major metro dailies. We believe that we contributed to that improvement by setting a new standard, breaking real news stories in our print paper that others copied. 

But fifteen years in a small software company trying to deal with the likes of AT&T, Microsoft and Apple gave us a good perspective on how big operations play small creative suppliers off against one another to keep prices down. I was primed for the software marketplace because before we started our company I was a freelance magazine writer, back in the days when the lively magazines which paid writers real money were just winding down. Talk about competition… 

The most depressing commentary on journalism today which I’ve seen recently was in Sunday’s New York Times Magazine, a theme issue devoted—like a lot of the contemporary New York Times—to Money.It was called, in fact, The Money Issue

(Brief digression: why is the New York Times increasingly the bible of Lifestyles of the Rich and Tacky?The wedding write-ups alone are too disgusting to read over breakfast, devoted as they are to ostentatiously displaying the lucrative jobs of both partners and their often multiple parents and step-parents. Vulgar—a word my great-aunt was too polite to use—doesn’t even begin to describe it.) 

The issue as a whole was a textbook example of chronicling the price of everything and the value of nothing. The article “Putting a Price on Words”, by Andrew Rice, examines a great number of start-up enterprises aimed at monetarizing—for the benefit of the investors, of course—the work of those who write for Internet outlets. Pay, he reports, is approximately pennies on the dollar: “For instance, Examiner.com, owned by the billionaire Philip Anschutz, has a gigantic audience and a nationwide army of 36,000 localized contributors, or “examiners,” who produce articles on subjects like community news, lifestyle issues and pets, and are paid about 1 cent per page view.” Quality has nothing to do with it. 

Hack writing gigs, paid by the word, are nothing new. I wrote abstracts of research papers for an academic journal about hospital administration in my youth—a younger friend wrote entries for an encyclopedia of religion in the 80s. But don’t confuse that kind of thing with news reporting, a serious profession best practiced by intelligent people able to make a living wage from their endeavors if they need to. 

Crumbs from the entrepreneurial table are not enough. Rice quotes one Sam Apple, the person behind one of the more earnest start-ups: “ ‘I have a friend who is a behavioral economist,’ he said. ‘He says that if you pay people tiny amounts, it’s worse than not paying them at all.’” But Apple admits he’s still paying writers what’s known in the trade as bupkes

I had only a couple of quibbles with Beckett’s otherwise excellent piece on Bay Citizen. Two color points she missed: the host's comment, without apparent irony, that rumors that reporters were being paid huge salaries are untrue (the rumors are about huge executive salaries) and the view of luxury gift emporium Gump's across Post Street through the huge plate glass windows. 

We would like to see the Bay Citizen succeed in the goal of bringing lower-case bay area citizens more of the news they need to know. From that perspective, especially since we’re lucky enough not to be supporting a family on the proceeds of our activities these days, we’d even be generous enough to kick back the $25 they offer for any of our pieces which they’d like to use. There was talk at the meeting of some sort of collaboration on stories which were too big for the underfunded small fry to tackle on their own, and I have about 5 of those in my back pocket right now. 

Of course, at the moment the Planet is not just underfunded, it’s unfunded, because of our strange tax problems (check Planet archives for lurid details). But it’s interesting that while we are in a period where all of our contributors are working for free (which we hope eventually to change) we’ve been getting excellent pieces from people we could never have afforded to pay what they’re “worth”. 

Even in our least profitable years putting out a print paper with staff reporters and editors making respectable salaries, our losses which were not covered by advertising amounted to less than the non-profit tax-deductible Bay Area News Project’s announced compensation for just one of their many well-paid executives, several of them listed on the Bay Citizen web site as former employees of McKinsey & Company, a fancy global consulting firm. I’m sure there’s a moral in here somewhere, but damned if I know what it is. 

P.S. Just as I finished this, I got an email from the SFAppeal online newspaper with a link to their story on the meeting. It’s also quite good and includes some very illuminating comments. For the record, when I wrote those nasty things above about the Chron and the Times, I didn’t know that the Berkeleyside principals were also associated with those publications. Big targets, okay, small targets, no.


The Editor's Back Fence

New: Agendas

Thursday May 20, 2010 - 04:53:00 PM

If you want to know what's happening before it lands on you, watch the under-the-radar activities of the Agenda Committee, a cozy Berkeley City Council subcommittee (Bates, Maio, Wozniak) that pre-scripts what the council might do a week or so later. Of course, even when they agree on the agenda, minds can change in the interim. But here's the first draft of what might happen at the June 4 City Council meeting, to be considered at the Monday agenda committee meeting.


In the Next Issue

Thursday May 20, 2010 - 09:10:00 AM

Breaking news stories can be seen on this page in the "extra" section.Click the "next issue" button above to see these new articles: Berkeley's Budget Nightmare (and Ours); Iran Sanctions Won't Work; Open Letter to UC Berkeley Officials Re Genetic Testing of Incoming Students; Of Pools and Many Things, and Why I am Supporting Measure C 



New Operating Instructions for This Publication

Becky O'Malley
Friday May 14, 2010 - 02:49:00 PM

Regular readers (now more than 20,000 visitors a week, with almost 600 subscribers) will find this week’s Planet particularly confusing. We’re in a new phase of our experimental process, so please read this carefully and then bear with us during the transition.  

From now on, the only “issue date” will be on Tuesdays. That’s the day we have complete events lists ready to post, which will give would-be audience members ten full days of arts and events listing, starting on Wednesday and going through the next two weekends. We’ll “publish” the week’s issue that day. What this means is that when readers type in berkeleydailyplanet.com they’ll get the “current” issue, the one “published” on the most recent Tuesday.  

Then we’ll start adding stories to the “next” issue as they come in. Any time readers want to read these new stories, they can just click on the “next issue” button on the front page of the “current issue”. To get back to square one, click on "current issue".  

If a story is fast breaking and changing fast(the recent student hunger strike, for example), we might also add it to the “current issue” front page, above the original headline and under the red “Extra” heading on the right hand side. As there are new developments, we’ll just add these at the top, while not removing earlier versions. A summary or final version of stories like this will then be posted in the next Tuesday issue.  

The Tuesday issue will also be converted to PDFs (graphic pages) which will be posted on the site . These can easily be printed on home printers and will be available in print from Copy Central at Solano and Peralta for a small charge to cover the printing costs. We’re not going to create a printable version on Fridays any more, but each printable Tuesday issue will have the whole preceding week's content, updated as needed.  

I’ll still be sending email updates twice a week to subscribers, with links to especially interesting stories. If you’d like a free subscription, just click on “subscribe” at the right hand side of this page. And there’s also an “unsubscribe” button there if you want it.


The Richmond Plunge is Back

Wednesday May 19, 2010 - 11:57:00 AM

The Richmond Plunge restoration is almost finished. It was filled for the first time last week in a gala celebration that featured smiley-face beachballs standing in for future swimmers. 

The building, restored under the guidance of Berkeley architect Todd Jersey, is a triumph of cooperation between historic preservation and sustainability. It's a shame Berkeley can't do as much for its historic warm pool, slated for demolition instead. 

For more of the story, see:


Cartoons

Odd Bodkins: The Celestial Rock Pile

Dan O'Neill
Monday May 17, 2010 - 01:05:00 PM
Dan O'Neill

In Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari, if you click on this image, it will be magnified. This no longer works in the latest Internet Explorer.


Public Comment

Letters to The Editor

Tuesday May 18, 2010 - 10:33:00 PM

Home Services Crucial; Gulf Disaster; A 50th Anniversary at the Newman Center; Don't be Fooled by PG&E; Clean Up, BP; Gulf Disaster; Oil Takeover; Tea Party; Greed and Oil; End Political Parties; BRT Proponents Have Their Facts Wrong; Gestapo Epithets; Action Alert: Sleep-Out Protesting Schwarzenegger’s Deadly Cuts; Radical Republicans Doomed; Zionism; Local Likudnik Nutcases & Group Generalizations; More about Israel; Stop the Dirty Energy Proposition; PG&E Smart Meters 

Home Services Crucial 

As part of his budget plan, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed eliminating In-Home Supportive Services, the state's fastest growing social services program, which pays caregivers to help the disabled and the frail elderly. Nearly half a million disabled Californians get subsidized home care. 

Without the services, many current clients would be forced to move to skilled-nursing centers that accept Medi-Cal patients. At an average expense of $55,000 a year, nursing homes cost five times as much per person as an In-Home Supportive Services client. The number of skilled-nursing center beds has dwindled through the years as the service's success has grown at helping the elderly continue living independently. 

I was thinking about California being on the brink and going bankrupt. They can't go on robbing the poor and helping the rich, and get away with it. And that's exactly what this California economy has been doing for years. California kept borrowing money and selling bonds, then borrowing more money and all that kind of stuff. 

Well, people will trust you so long, and then they quit trusting your ability to ever pay it back. So if you keep living on borrowed money, there comes a day when you have to pay it back when those bonds begin to come due. So we've been robbing the poor. 

Well that's what happened to California. It's been going on for years and now California is $20 billion in debt and going up 

Ted Rudow III,MA 

*** 

Gulf Disaster 

What a heartbreak for the gulf coast region to have yet another man made disaster hit 

gain. I ask you all to respond to this catastrophe with urgent courage and both face and tell the truths that business as usual is not working and more of the same kind of energy extraction coupled with the to big to fail apparatus built to support this ongoing madness is leaving in it's wake death, destruction and misery. 

Please think about the definition of insanity which is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting a different outcome. 

Tzena Bell 

*** 

A 50th Anniversary at the Newman Center
 

To state that at 10 a.m. mass this past Sunday, May 16th at Newman Hall, "the joint was jumping" is hardly an appropriate way to describe the normally reverent atmosphere of this Holy Spirit chapel.But this was no ordinary Sunday!No indeed, it was a celebration of Father Al Moser's 50th anniversary as a Paulist priest.Not surprisingly, the church was jam packed, attesting to the popularity of this gentle, unassuming man. 

As he walked down the aisle, followed by several clergy members, there was a five minute ovation followed by thunderous applause.Father Al appeared overcome as he stood at the altar, looking out at the huge crowd, and observing the large number of past and present clergy, seated to his right.Mastering his astonishment, he introduced his fellow priests, including Father Bernard Campbell, pastor and a student minister.He then introduced relatives who had come out from Dayton, Ohio for this memorable occasion.Mass was then celebrated with stirring music provided by the choir under the direction of Colleen Lenord, Music and Liturgy Director. 

A very modest man, Al felt called upon to give a brief summary of his life before coming to Newman.So we learned that from 1943 to 1945, he served with the U.S. Army in the Infantry Division.Next, on a G.I. bill, he earned a degree in English from Xavier University in 1950.He then went to Fordham University.He later studied Latin and Theology at St. Paul's College in Washington, D.C. and was ordained by Cardinal Spellman. 

Following Mass, there was a joyous reception in the upstairs Court Yard, with balloons, small children, refreshments and long lines of people waiting to offer their congratulations to the guest of honor who was obviously still dazed at so much attention. 

In 1982, Father Al was sent to Newman Hall and has since spent more than half his priesthood in Berkeley. A familiar figure to people entering the church, he greets parishoners with a smile andwarm handshake.How lucky we 

at Newman and Berkeley are to have this dear, dear man! 

Dorothy Snodgrass 

*** 

Don't be Fooled by PG&E 

Please don't be fooled by PG&E's Prop 16 ads calling it a "right to vote" act.PG&E funded this initiative to amend the State Constitution for the benefit of their monopoly ? their motivation is not altruistic. Consider why they are spending $35 million of our ratepayer money to fund it. 

PG&E is falling behind in meeting state adopted goals for clean energy, and they want to stop competitors from doing a better job. To really appreciate how egregious this misuse of our initiative process is, read the letter to PG&E's CEO from eight of our legislators asking them to stop promoting Prop 16 in the public interest (http://noprop16.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/05-Steinberg_a_Darbee.pdf). 

Linda Phillips Blue 

*** 

Clean Up, BP 

I expect for BP all others involved in the Gulf Oil Spill to be held accountable for every dime of clean-up and necessary protection to the environment IF IT TAKES EVERY PENNY THEY HAVE OR EVER WILL MAKE! These off-shore rigs are like 3 Mile Island, a disaster just waiting to happen. It should NEVER be allowed to happen again off our shores. I'm tired of huge corporations doing whatever they want with no regulating. NO MORE DEEP WATER DRILLING!! 

Barry Wolfe 

*** 

Oil Takeover
 

Regarding the devastating oil take-over of the Gulf of Mexico and probably the Atlantic coastal waters, I have read comments made by many intelligent, aware, concerned Americans. In my attempt to write my own comment, I realized that those to whom these comments are addressed ARE NOT LISTENING. 

Therefore, what we are most likely leading up to in this country of educated, aware, intelligent and sincerely concerned individuals [being threatened by the greed of corporate profit-driven GREED]...is REVOLUTION. Yes, revolution, as we cannot and will not allow this insanity to continue indefinitely. 

If you continue to NOT LISTEN to us, [we who are paying your way with our blood, sweat and tears], there will, sooner or later, be a REVOLT. 

And know this: That your illicit wealth and power will not protect you from the devastation that your illicit decisions and practices would eventually wreak - if we did not revolt against your insanity. 

Caroline Attri 

*** 

Tea Party  

Letters from Tea Party patriots are all pretty much the same. Most letters from Tea partiers sound like Glen Beck, Fox News and Rush Limbaugh regurgitation. They use the same worn out sound bites. The Tea Party movement has a disconnect with reality or they don't stray far from Fox News. 

Case in point: The U.S. economy is on the verge of collapse, going down the tubes. Just the opposite is the truth. 

Business is picking up, Obama's stimulus plan is working, GM has already paid its Bailout money back five years early and last month saw a major jump in job numbers. 

Tea Party activists throw in the obligatory "loss of liberties" to prove their upside-down worldview. What loss of liberties are they talking about? Tea Partiers can still write their irreconcilable tripe in any newspaper in America. 

Glen Beck, Rush Limbaugh and Sarah Palin are still making scads of money and spewing out their nonsensical drivel. I continually pushed the limits and still have the same liberties I had 20 years ago. 

Tea Party regulars talk about legislative gridlock: They should know, being a wing of the GOP, the perennial party of gridlock and obstruction. 

And these Jonny-come-latelys' rant "we want our country back". What, so they can give the country back to the Bush-Cheney crowd. I'm sorry, but what a joke these Tea partiers are. 

Ron Lowe 

*** 

Greed and Oil
 

COME ON! What is it going to take to make you see that this greed is shortsighted and misguided! We need to get off oil dependency and onto environmentally safe sources of energy.It is corporate greed that keeps this from happening.Don't the people who work in these companies have children?If they do, what kind of life do they want for them? What kind of future?????? 

Arlene Shmaef 

f*** 

End Political Parties 

I am ready for the end of political parties in California, aren't you?I don't have to REGISTER AND VOTE to know that our state is in good hands, with NO pesky independent candidates ON the ballot. PROP 14 will let us choose amongst the two most well-funded candidates in the fall.They have my interests at heart, and yours too, right? 

And why should LAURA WELLS be running FOR GOVERNOR!She's not an insider!She's not a millionaire corporate executive, or a movie star, either.She's a GREEN PARTY member, running in this June's PRIMARY ELECTION.Her thinking makes her different from other candidates.If you go to laurawells.org you may be shocked by what she's talking about and who has endorsed her. 

Leslie Dinkin 

BRT Proponents Have Their Facts Wrong 

Maybe Mark Twain didn't make the famous comment about lies ("lies, damned lies, and statistics") but he should have. AC Transit has used statistics and omission of relevant details to obfuscate the facts about their BRT proposal, apparently confusing some well-meaning environmentally-friendly citizens. So I suggest that Mr. Nakadegawa (author of a recent Berkeley Daily Planet Opinion piece) and other BRT proponents forget statistics and look at the raw numbers in the BRT Draft Environmental Impact Statement. 

On the very first page of the DEIR, the Abstract, it states that the difference in transit trips per day between the most successful BRT build alternative and the "no-build" alternative is 9,320 transit trips per day. This number is repeated in the chart on pages 3-28. You may argue with the methodology of the people who created this projection if you like but this, like it or not, was their projection.

Leave percentages aside and look at these numbers (all from the DEIR):
2025 transit trips per day WITHOUT BRT: 659,800
2025 transit trips per day WITH BRT: 670,100
9,320 additional transit trips per day with BRT
$250 million in construction costs.

Regarding energy savings, on page 4-152 the Draft EIR states that "The energy impacts of the Build Alternatives as compared to the No-Build Alternative would be negligible."

The DEIR has the following to say about auto and bus emissions: "The increase in bus emissions would be offset by the decrease in emissions from fewer automobiles in the corridor under the Build Alternatives." (p. 4-135). According to the chart on p. 4-131, levels of pollutants in the East Bay in 2025 will be virtually identical whether or not BRT is built.

To Mr. Nakadegawa and other BRT proponents I ask this question: Are you serious in your contention that this is a cost-effective way to increase transit ridership, reduce energy use and decrease pollution? The Draft EIR clearly states otherwise. Do you have other scientific studies of this specific BRT proposal (not BRT as a concept and not BRT in some other metro area) which contradict the Draft EIR? If so, please list your source so the rest of us can read it. Until you do, I contend this proposed project is a boondoggle, plain and simple.

I do not question the need for more and better public transportation in order to reduce greenhouse gases. More and better public transportation is going to cost taxpayer dollars and I am willing to pay those taxes. What I am adamantly not willing to do, however, is waste taxpayer money. 

Jim Bullock 

*** 

Gestapo Epithets 

I just got another e-mail from a (former) friend who has been on my case for a long time because I support justice in Palestine. Ho-hum. I'm used to that. But this time instead of labeling me as being antisemitic as usual, he tried something new and called me "Gustapo Girl". 

Calling ME a member of the Gestapo just because I support justice for small-potato Palestinians is ludicrous, considering that Israeli fundie wingnuts are in control of the fifth-largest army in the world, have extensive prison camps, are armed with thermo-nuclear and are threatening to drop the Big One on Iran. 

We have far more serious things to worry about now -- such as the oil spill, the stock market and the hemorrhaging job losses -- to be calling ME the "Gestapo". 

Jane Stillwater 

*** 

Action Alert: Sleep-Out Protesting Schwarzenegger’s Deadly Cuts  

The Disabled People Outside Project is currently putting together a sleep-out to protest deadly cuts to the disabled, elderly and children in California. We are asking the community for their support in this effort to a face on those who the governor would leave out in the cold. E-mail your support to disabledpeopleoutside@comcast.net 

Dan McMullan
Disabled People Outside Project
510-688-2342 

Reply: 

Suggest that you have some coffins lined up too. My options are to live in my subsidized housing unit until I begin to rot. Then my neighbors will call for help when the smell interrupts their neighborhood harmony. 

Maggie Dee 

*** 

Radical Republicans Doomed
 

"One fifth of the people are against everything all the time" - Robert Kennedy. Republicans of 2010 have put a new spin on this statement. "All" 41 Republicans are against all of President Obama's domestic proposals all the time with an end game of bringing about Obama's failure. Doesn't that mean that America will fail? 

Well, it's not going to happen! Much like President Clinton put Republicans in their place, Obama will do even better and skuttle the Republicans within an inch of their life. 

Americans will bury Republicans at the polls if they keep up their "do nothing" thing. America is not a "do nothing" nation. This GOP strategy flies in the face of everything that America stands for. 

Who are today's radicals - The John Boehners' (R-OH) and Mitch McConnells' (R-KY) and Republican naysayers. 

Ron Lowe 

*** 

Zionism  

ms. o'malley, 

how much i've enjoyed seeing your personal failure. 

as your reach becomes ever smaller, your anti-zionism grows. how very interesting. 

the fact is, the majority of the jewish people, americans in general and most of congress supports israel right to exist as a jewish state with defensible borders. 

you live in a bubble, surrounded and supported by a few hundred berkeley nuts. your blind and unfair criticism of israel puts you in the company of the worlds most criminal inhabitants. you can be sure that if the jihadists grown in power with the help of an iranian nuclear weapon that their liberal friends in berkeley and around the world will be be in their crosshairs soon after israel. in other words, you are hastening your own demise. 

enjoy clinging to your bully pulpit. 

jonathan wornick
Jonathan Wornick is Councilmember Gordon Wozniak's appointee to the City of Berkeley Peace and Justice Commission. 

*** 

Local Likudnik Nutcases & Group Generalizations 

Jonathan Wornick's letter is pathetic. If the BDP is so irrelevant and has few readers then why does he waste his time writing to it ? 

What does he have against proper capitalization ? 

How can there be a "Jewish" state where 25% of the population is Non-Jewish as in Israel ? Imagine a Christian or Gentile State here where only 1.58% are Jewish. Your putdown of Sinkinson was awesome. But the Jewish community as an entity isn't. There are in fact a good many people of the Spitzer mindset here but also a good many (Jews) who don't share that worldview. 

Where I disagree with the BDP is that I believe collective praise of a group is as racist as collective blame. It's the same mentality of tribal collectivism and though you don't intend it it comes across as very patronizing and condescending. No group as such has either a good or bad reputation. It all boils down to the individual members and that's always a mixed bag. This goes contrary to the selective PC condemnation of (some) racism but so what. 

Michael P. Hardesty 

*** 

More about Israel
 

Having read the Daily Planet for years; having closely followed this Middle Eastern discussion; having heard your words over and over, I can only come to one conclusion about you Becky O'Malley. 

You are uninformed, reactionary, prejudiced, and slanderous. 

The same words you use for respected members of our Jewish community, such as Jim Sinkinson, are words that aptly describe you. 

Over the years you published pure junk in your biased newspaper about Israel and the Palestinians from the likes of Berkeley Marxist Mark Sapir, Iranians, Indians, and others with built-in hatred of all that is Jewish or Zionist. In your editorial about FLAME you actually have the temerity to say "An honest look at what the government of Israel is doing"!? What do you think they are doing Becky? How about trying to protect their 5 1/2 million Jews, and 1 1/2 million well-off Palestinian Arabs (yes, Israel is a democracy) from the genocidal wishes of Hamas, Hizbollah, Syria, Iran, and others intent on wiping them from the map. 

You talk about evidence for why your publication went broke. You should be using your precious time instead for evaluating the obvious evidence for Israel's defensive behavior. It's everywhere. I do not know one Israeli anywhere, or for that matter any Jew, who doesn't pine for peace in the Middle East. Peace has never been about "settlements". This is a side issue, a mere distraction, subterfuge. It wasn't an issue before 1967 when there was no so-called "occupied territory" and it isn't an issue now. The land for peace tactic hasn't worked. In fact, it has backfired each time. Just look at Gaza or at southern Lebanon, or at the offer to give back the territories in exchange for peace in 1967 which was summarily rejected, and then followed by another Arab-initiated war a few years later. 

You want hard facts Becky? Face it, Arabs do not want an Israel in their midst. The Palestinian charter says no recognition of Israel, no negotiations with Israel, no peace with Israel. Israel doesn't show up on their maps, in their textbooks, or in their dialogue. And your writings over the years have made it clear that you don't want an Israel too. You do nothing but pick on Israel over and over again, disproportionately and obsessively. That is the only explanation for your heartless and despicable behavior. 

You have no idea what Israel is or why it exists. Read up Becky O'Malley. Here's four books you can start with: Alan Dershowitz: The Case for Israel; Daniel Gerdis: Saving Israel; George Gilder: The Israel Test; Daniel Senor: Start Up Nation. 

Barry E. Gustin, MD, MPH, MBA, MA 

*** 

Stop the Dirty Energy Proposition 

As a resident of Oakland, CA, I am disgusted and saddened that Texas oil giants have succeeded in placing a dirty energy measure on our state ballot. The tragedy unfolding in the Gulf makes it clearer than ever just how costly our dangerous addiction to dirty fossil fuels really is. 

Clean energy has been a bright spot in the economy and this deceptive initiative will kill investments and jobs. Not to mention that our dirty air is killing us – the nation’s 10 smoggiest counties are all in California. Following this Gulf oil spill disaster, does California really want to let Texas oil companies destroy our clean energy and clean air laws? I know I don't. 

Thank you for listening, 

Devan Williams 

*** 

PG&E Smart Meters 

PG&E smart meters may be smart for PG&E, but not for the public. 

I feel the same way about PG&E smart meters as I do about electronic voting machines. I do not trust them. Although I live near my poling location I vote by paper absentee ballot. The law and adequately protective sotfware has not kept up with the ever changing techology world and the even more "creative" criminal element that is always a few steps ahead of the law and protections for people. 

It is clear that there is ample evidence to indicate that as these meters now stand they are far from fair and accurate. The meter attached to my home has been a stable of reliability for generations, which also allow individuals to audit their own meter and bills for accuracy. It is clearly not farfetched to consider that PG&E could very easily "game" the electronic system to cheat every customer out of just a bit more money by fudging. You know "creatively raise everyone's rates" just enough to avoid detection. They only have to cheat everyone out of a few cents each month to make millions upon millions and this could so easily go undiscovered. 

Nor is it impossible to believe that criminal geeks could enter the system to mess with anyone targeted. I am very much against changing to smart meters until there is much more done to provide guarantees of accuracy and a totally secure system. And a way of course for independent auditors to varify that no cheating is going on. 

I do not trust PG&E, the PUC's ability to protect the public or smart meters on the market today. I urge a halt to the smart meter program. Expedience is not always a good thing. Doing it right is more important. I also have more trust in meter readers who have served utility companies just fine for generations...why take another category of American workers and put them in the unemployment lines just so PG&E can turn an even higher profit? 

Carol Gesbeck DeWitt 

***


Most Residents Not Notified of Trader Joe's Liquor License Application

Eric Dynamic
Monday May 17, 2010 - 12:11:00 PM
This is a map showing area residents who did not receive their notice (mailed April 14th) of Trader Joe's application for their liquor license as required by law.
Eric Dynamic
This is a map showing area residents who did not receive their notice (mailed April 14th) of Trader Joe's application for their liquor license as required by law.

Here for your amusement and horror is a map showing area residents who did not receive their notice (mailed April 14th) of Trader Joe's application for their liquor license as required by law. I polled almost every single residence within the notification area to collect signatures from everyone willing to state that they did for certain not receive any such notice. Only a third of people were home and only half of those who answered could state for certain whether they had or hadn't received the notice, and not all of those who knew they didn't get the notice were willing to sign the poll. And yet I managed to collect 28 signatures. In fact, I did not find anyone who said they had gotten the notice in their mail. 

The locations of people who signed my list as stating for a fact that they did not receive the notice are shown in red. The notification area as defined by law is shown in green. The cyan circle is the outer boundary of the area 500 feet from "just the front door" of the premises, still containing a majority of those who did not receive notices, showing that even if Trader Joe's pretends that they "misunderstood the legal definition of the notification area", they apparently made no particular effort to inform anyone. 

I received one of the only two notices known to have been received by anyone (apparently due to a mistake on Trader Joes's part!) Had I not received the notice, there was an extreme likelihood that nobody would ever have known that Trader Joe's had ignored and aborted their legal requirements to obtain their liquor license -- including the posting of a public notice, which is posted (unlawfully) where you can read it if you're willing to stand in an active traffic lane to do so! 

The lesson? We need Citizens to return to the "perpetual vigilance" through which we protect our democracy and society lest the careless, the heedless and the lawless catch us napping. 

Eric Dynamic
Berkeley


Flashmob Invades Westin Hotel - Video Goes Viral

Sent by Jonah Minkoff-Zern
Friday May 14, 2010 - 02:35:00 PM

Watch the Youtube video that has already been seen over 100,000 times and is being talked about everywhere... Click here. 

A flashmob infiltrates the Westin St. Francis hotel in San Francisco and performs an adaptation of Lady Gaga's song "Bad Romance." The event was organized to draw attention to a boycott called by the workers of the hotel who are fighting to win a fair contract and affordable healthcare. Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer activists put the song and dance together as a creative way to tell the hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ people from all over the country coming to San Francisco in June for Pride to stay out of the boycotted hotels.


Open Letter to UC President Yudof Re: UC Statement on Divestment

Mohammad Talaat, PhD, PE
Thursday May 13, 2010 - 03:51:00 PM

Dear UC President Yudof,

I received your enclosed message and statement, “UC Statement on Divestment,” and was saddened and disappointed. Not because I disagree with your position and the UC Board of Regents’ – that’s human – rather because of the thin rationale and less-than-honest language it employs. Let me elaborate. 

Your statement purports to address “two bills put forward for a vote before student organizations within [UC] that call on the University to divest from companies doing business with Israel.” Your statement refers to a policy adopted by the Regents in 2005 where they “stated that a policy of divestment from a foreign government shall be adopted by the University only when the United States government declares that a foreign regime is committing acts of genocide.” This reference is the crux of your response, and its use is disturbing on several levels: 

1. The subject in the referenced UC policy is “divestment from a foreign government.” Neither of the two bills referenced in your opening paragraph mentions divestment from the state or government of Israel. The rest of your statement tries to squeeze in the language statements to establish relevance by association, such as “[i]n the current resolutions voted on by UC student organizations, the State of Israel and companies doing business with Israel have been the sole focus.” This is intellectually dishonest, and the policy language you cite as the main reason for your position remains principally irrelevant to your argument. 

2. Your statement that the student bills focus on “companies doing business with Israel“ is inaccurate and misleading by omission. The two bills focus on companies providing material support and profiting from Israel’s illegal occupation and war crimes in the Palestinian territories. The distinction is vast between companies selling attack helicopters and ones selling oranges to Israel, and it is again intellectually dishonest to phrase your statement as if the two bills you address do not make that distinction. 

3. As UC President, academic, educator, and defender of free speech, the policy you mention deserves your questioning, not your support. The notion that a student body or an academic institution can only follow a socially responsible investment policy after the U.S. government has made a finding that acts of genocide are taking place goes against UC legacy and the values of citizen-led democracy and activism. As autonomous actors, universities and independent citizens should have the capacity and duty to influence their government’s policy, free from diplomatic constraints and special interest meddling. Let me remind you that the Board of Regents is not an autonomous actor free from special interests, since it is composed of unelected political appointees. Instead of echoing unquestioning support to their unreasonable policy, you should be protesting it. 

4. The policy you support dictates that, as UC President, you are content reacting to international human rights violations only after the fact, only after genocide -no less- has taken place, and only after the US government has recognized it as such. This is most disturbing. Let me remind you that the official establishment of “genocide” is nearly impossible. The US government is still debating whether or not the Armenian genocide took place. This is an unreasonable, politically motivated, curb on social responsibility. 

5. The policy you support dictates that, as UC President, you would not have voted to divest from companies supporting the Nazi occupation of all of Europe and extermination of civilians in death camps prior to a US declaration of war and/or official recognition of genocide; the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and WMD program; and the list goes on. Also, had trade sanctions not been in place, you would have voted not to divest from companies supplying weapons to Hamas or military nuclear technology to the Iranian government. Moreover, you would not have voted to divest from South Africa’s apartheid regime. In effect, your position empties academic conscience and activism of any substance, and turns them into slogans and colorful parades. Your position prevents UC from leading any effort to advocate social change or confront human rights violations. What’s next?! 

6. Another intellectual dishonesty committed in this statement is the description of the two bills it addresses as being voted on by “student organizations.” In fact, the two bills were presented for a vote by the student government bodies at UC Berkeley and UC San Diego. Your dismissive language makes it possible to infer that the scope of this vote was limited to a fraternity or a student group on each campus, when in UC Berkeley alone more than 40 registered student organizations officially endorsed the bill you oppose, and the student senate had passed by 16 to 4 votes before being vetoed by the student president. Your statement implicitly serves to belittle the significance of this. 

7. Your statement argues that “[the] isolation of Israel among all the countries in the world greatly disturbs us and is of grave concern to members of the Jewish community.” I am astonished that you would repeat this discredited line. I expect to read this in a propaganda email, an oratory performance by the Israeli Consul General or the Director General of Hillel, or droves of pro-Israel students finding no better argument in the face of documented Israeli atrocities than waive the anti-Semitism card and play the victim in front of their 20-year old student senators who can be swayed by emotions. What makes isolating Israel for its illegal actions any different than isolating Sudan or South Africa, or makes the concern of pro-Israel communities worthy of your privilege?! As for your carefully worded allusion to “concern to members of the Jewish community,” I respect that you did not suggest, rightly, that the Jewish community opposes these bills. I wish your statement had afforded the same amount of respect and allusion to the “members of the Jewish community,” including prominent UC faculty, who fully supported these bills. I refer you to the sections “Endorsements”, “Letters of Support,” “Video Reel,” and “SB118 – Veto Rebuttal” of the website www.caldivestfromapartheid.com, and to Pages 8 and 9 of April 13th issue of The Daily Californian. 

8. In addition to my criticism of the rationale, your statement totally and inappropriately ignores the statement signed by 86 UC faculty members, along with 28 more California colleagues in support of the divestment resolution at UC Berkeley. I hope that you will receive a more articulate and scholarly critique than mine to your position from them, unless they choose to ignore your statement in return. 

9. Finally, I should note the following: Last week UC Berkeley Chancellor Birgeneau issued a statement about the divestment bill at UCB. Many people who disagree with his established position appreciated the measured and balanced language he used, which reflected his feelings of responsibility and leadership of the entire campus, not only a vocal fraction of it. While many of those same people took issue with the title of his statement, which made an equivocal reference to “disputed territories in the Middle East,” it seemed not the time to engage in partisan or semantic rhetoric, and most everyone moved on. Unfortunately, your statement does not reflect inclusive leadership, but unabashed bias. This makes me sad and, if I were younger and still one of your other-than-privileged students, almost angry. 

I hope that this message will meet your eyes, and urge you to reconsider your position as President of all UC. 

Mohammad Talaat, PhD, PE 

Assistant Professor, Cairo University, Egypt (on leave) 

UC Berkeley Alum 

PS. Not surprisingly, I am not the only UC Alum who feels "almost angry," about this statement enough to critique it. This letter owes some credit to Yaman Salahi's posting. (http://www.yamansalahi.com/2010/05/11/current-events/the-yudof-doctrine-no-divestment-from-israel-until-genocide/) 

_____________________________________________ 

From: "President's Office"  

Date: May 10, 2010 5:28:38 PM PDT 

To:  

Subject: Message from President Yudof - UC Statement on Divestment 

Thank you for your e-mail regarding the recent bills regarding divestment by the University from companies doing business in Israel put forward by the student governments on several UC campuses. I appreciate your taking the time to write and express your views. I have received close to 10,000 messages regarding this issue, so I hope you will understand the necessity of my sending this same response to all. Attached for your information is a statement the Chairman and Vice Chair of the University of California’s Board of Regents and I have issued regarding the question of divestment.  

With best wishes, I am, 

Sincerely yours, 

Mark G. Yudof 

President 

University of California 

_____________________________________________ 

University of California  

Statement on Divestment 

Russell Gould, Chairman, Board of Regents 

Sherry L. Lansing, Vice Chair, Board of Regents 

Mark G. Yudof, President of the University 

Recently, there have been two bills put forward for a vote before student organizations within the University of California that call on the University to divest from companies doing business with Israel. Understandably, these bills have received considerable attention from the public and the media.  

The overarching question of the University of California divesting from any company is a complex one and any action considered must conform to State and federal laws, as well as to the University’s fiduciary responsibilities as a public entity to protect the security of its pension and endowment funds. In 2005, the Regents stated that a policy of divestment from a foreign government shall be adopted by the University only when the United States government declares that a foreign regime is committing acts of genocide. It was also noted at the time that divestment is a serious decision that should be rarely pursued. 

We share The Regents’ belief that divestment needs to be undertaken with caution. We firmly believe that if there is to be any discussion of divestment from a business or country, it must be robust and fair-minded. We must take great care that no one organization or country is held to a different standard than any other. In the current resolutions voted on by the UC student organizations, the State of Israel and companies doing business with Israel have been the sole focus. This isolation of Israel among all countries of the world greatly disturbs us and is of grave concern to members of the Jewish community. 

We fully support the Board of Regents in its policy to divest from a foreign government or companies doing business with a foreign government only when the United States government declares that a foreign regime is committing acts of genocide. The U.S. has not made any declaration regarding the State of Israel and, therefore, we will not bring a recommendation before the Board to divest from companies doing business with the State of Israel. 

May 2010


Berkeley Iceland - A Plan for Creative Reuse

By Tom Killilea
Monday May 17, 2010 - 03:40:00 PM


Imagine Berkeley Iceland reopened with new skating facilities, expanded community spaces, and a new cafe', all filled with kids of all ages. Envision the Berkeley Iceland building widened with a new community housing development designed to enhance the landmark deco look and respecting the neighborhood's character. This is the plan which is the basis of an offer made in recent months to purchase Berkeley Iceland and create a lasting legacy much as as the original design did for over 65 years. This plan provides the vision for a sustainable mixed use complex which the entire Berkeley community can support.  

It is a vision which addresses many City of Berkeley needs and the goals of many in the community:  

· Restoration of a cherished and needed community recreation center based on the historic Berkeley Iceland rink. 

· Creative reuse of a landmark which provides housing in an elegant design. 

· Expanded facilities for larger community events and meetings. 

· Extensive use of green technologies to reduce the energy requirements and carbon footprint of the entire site. 

The concept was designed by Harrison Fraker, an award winning architect, former dean of UC's College of Environmental Design, and Berkeley Iceland supporter. Working with a well known San Francisco developer who is experienced in creative reuse of landmark structures, a plan was created which was the basis for an offer to purchase Berkeley Iceland. 

Under the conceptual plan, there would be two primary developments on the site - renovation and upgrade of the rink, and extension of the North and South wings for two-level housing structures. The new community housing will be made up of two-story one bedroom units grouped in mews with 20 foot central courtyards. Multiple mews sections will be built into the expanded sections to provide scores of new rentals. The overall design will be no higher than the current wings, maintain the facade of the historic structure, and provide the tenants with privacy. A really cool, livable housing development which maintains the character of the neighborhood.  

Berkeley Iceland will be restored with a new, energy efficient ice chiller designed specifically for the rink. Heat produced making the ice surface will be recycled for heating needs in the development, including the new locker rooms. The front of the site will be redesigned to create larger common area by expanding the warm area closer to the ice surface and opening up the lobby area so the magnificent view of the arena is no longer hidden. This will give Berkeley a new option for holding major events and meetings. With new energy saving windows, skaters will experience skating in natural light, further reducing the energy needs of the restored community center.  

In addition to the use of recycled heat and natural lighting, the substantial roof area will be covered with photo-voltaic panels. By one estimate, the roof space could provide more than 80% of the energy needs of the community center. With environmentally sound construction practices, recycling of materials from the development, and reuse of an existing building, the entire project has the goal of a zero carbon footprint from construction to operation.  

This is an opportunity for realizing a real win for the community. The owners would get a fair price for the property. Berkeley would get needed housing units in a creatively designed, low profile development that reflects the landmark structure and fits in with the neighborhood. Berkeley also regains a missing piece of its character, Berkeley Iceland, restored and improved where the community can once again gather in a healthy and active recreation facility in support of the City's goal to create a healthy community for all ages, kids through adults. Combine these with the green initiatives, this plan is a tribute to Berkeley that would be a model for the world on the creative preservation of historic community treasure. I hope that the Mayor, City Council, and members of our community will get behind this plan and encourage a future that benefits all of Berkeley. 

Full disclosure, some members of SBI have been working with one of the parties though SBI itself is NOT involved in the offers or decisions regarding possible offers. We continue to work to the goal of reopening a revitalized community center based around the historic ice rink and will work with anyone to gain that core goal.


Measure C-3rd grade math doesn't add up for this bond measure

By Justin Lee
Monday May 17, 2010 - 02:42:00 PM

After getting the pro- Measure C flyer (I use the pools and would gladly pay for them if it’s presented correctly) I came up with this: 

-there are 45000 households 

-each household would pay on average 70 dollars according to flyer literature. 

-45,000 households times 70 times 30 years=94,500,000 million dollars TOTAL for principle and the bond“loan” 

-The renovations are slated to cost about 25 million for all 4 pools. That’s to fix them 

-The pool maintenance is slated to be just under a million a year(that’s the city’s numbers) 

-At worst that’s 30,000,000 over 30 years for running the pools. A million a year seems reasonable. 

-30 mill + 25 mill=55 million total maintenance for 30 years plus 25 for renovation capital costs. 

-Why is the City paying 40 million in INTEREST payments. Who gets that? 

-We are paying @1.3 million in interest a year! 

Now, the proper way to float this bond is ask for 25 million in bonds to the building costs as we need that now. Like a new roof, the city needs up front construction funds. 

-Next tax households in perpetuity for the maintenance. 

-Why are we bonding 30 million in salaries and maintenance costs. What happens after 30 years? Another bond measure to borrow. This is called rolling debt. 

-The pool looks like it is costing near double the real costs because the politicians think that debt and bonds and credit are free. But that 40 million could be used for libraries and other things. The costs of running these facilities are doubling because the city has to go to the piggy trough and beg corrupt banks for a loan when it’s not a capital improvement cost it’s an ONGOING expense. This is flat out cowardice on the mayor and board’s part. 

-Where did the bid for 25 million come from? A home pool averages $60,000 to build-heated and all. Berkeley pools are not Olympic pools, so where does $5 million a pool come from? Renovations to pools and houses seem really, really steep to me. 

-If pool are so integral to the fabric of the City, then it’s time to ask that the cost of running pools comes as a tax in perpetuity. Making it part of a 30 year bond measure does not make this cheaper. In the end it costs us near double because we are borrowing instead of taxing. Berkeley has proven to be quite generous when the taxes are used for the intended purpose. 

What I fear is that the City will get 100 million in bond money up front to plug up holes in the City’s 11 million annual deficit(pension obligations,entitlements and salaries) and it will renege on much of the pool-allocated money in the near future-and ask for more. It’s a kick-the-can-down-the-alley approach. I see Mayor Bates and the Council praying the big bond check carries the city far enough into the future where there is a Goldilocks economy and higher revenues. Counting on that and fighting a debt burden with more debt burden sounds like a strategy right out of Greece’s playbook. 

-Justin Lee


Our Marines: Ridden Hard & Put Away Wet

Sunday May 16, 2010 - 06:49:00 PM

Now here's a touchy subject -- recently there's been spate of suicides by Marines who have just returned home from Iraq and Afghanistan. But here's the really touchy part: These suicides have all taken place on stateside Marine bases. One Marine recently escaped from a hospital at Camp Lejeune, got hold of a gun somehow and shot himself right there on the base. And another Marine at Quantico jumped in front of a train. 

However, the Marine high command at these bases is fully aware of this problem and is doing something about it. According to one official Marine publication, "Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the Marine Corps. Even one death by suicide is too many. It is a tragic and preventable loss, causing untold grief to loved ones and units, and is of highest concern to the public, legislators, the Commandant, and all Marines. In addition, suicide and suicidal behavior at all levels can take a tremendous toll on the readiness and resources of the unit involved. For all these reasons, suicide awareness, prevention, and intervention must be of highest priority to all Marines, and especially Marine leaders." Returning troops at the major stateside Marine bases are now being routinely shown training films and PowerPoint presentations regarding how to deal with suicidal tenancies -- but still. You gotta be pretty damn desperate to jump in front of a train. How many more of our Marines are that desperate? And if so, how did they get that way? 

Here's my personal opinion, based on time spent in Iraq embedded with the Marines. I may be wrong about this, but here it is. "American Marines compose the finest fighting force EVER. Forget about Romans and Spartans. Our guys are the best." So what happened? Why all the suicides? "Because our Marines are being stretched far too thin. American Marines are being asked to defend the interests of an international corporate structure that has its octopus-like tentacles spread out all over the entire globe. That's far too much territory to expect even our fabulous Marines to defend." 

But what inflames me even more is that the international corporate structures that our Marines are so gallantly defending aren't even American corporations! Perhaps one day long ago they USED to be American corporations -- but that was back in the days before outsourcing.  

Our Marines are being asked to stick their fingers in [dams] all over the world so that wealthy international corporations all over the world can reap the profits. It's not even Americans who are reaping the profits any more. No wonder our Marines are so stretched. They are daily and constantly fighting the never-ending battles of Endless War so that men who owe NO allegiance to America -- or American workers or American Marines either -- can make grossly disproportional profits off of others' pain. 

Our Marines are being ridden hard and put away wet so that corporations who don't even pay taxes in America can still have their billionaire bottom lines protected. 

And our Marines do this, day after day, year after year, serving hard time in places like Iraq and Afghanistan and Kenya. And WHY do they keep doing it? Because they are Marines -- the best fighting force EVER. And our Marines' abilities are not only being wasted by being spread too thin throughout the world to the point that when (not if) we will someday need them here at home, there may well be too few of them left to defend America proper and it will be too late. 

The international corporations benefit from our Marines' presence. And the Marine Corps pays the price. And, apparently, individual Marines are paying an even greater price. This fractured practice of using and misusing our Marines has just got to stop. 

PS: According to the Jacksonville Daily News, "Camp Lejeune Marines...in the aftermath of the death of a colleague who shot himself during a police chase aboard base Monday said instead of the needed psychiatric treatment they sought they were given a cocktail of antidepressants and sent back to work." Yes, nine long years of constant war does have a tendency to grind our troops down. Even World War II didn't last that long. 

And we may have unearthed just the tip of the iceberg here. According to Jacksonville's www.jdnews.com, "A total of 48,086 mental health related visits for all Naval Hospital clinics aboard Camp Lejeune were recorded in fiscal year 2009. In fiscal year 2010, there have been 26,609 mental health related visits through March 31, said Lt.j.g. Tony Skrypek, department head for TRICARE Operations at Naval Hospital."  

Also, according to Salon magazine , PTSDs may still not be getting properly treated at Camp Lejuene -- despite all the recent PowerPoint presentations going on. "Internal documents and e-mails show that Navy officials unfavorably doctored a psychiatrist’s performance record after he blew the whistle on what he said was dangerously inept management of care for Marines suffering combat stress at Camp Lejeune, N.C."  

PSS: And here's a quote from my usually reliable Marine Mom source: "I've heard several Marines say that Afghanistan is the 'Worst place on earth'. So instead of sending our Marines out to fight in the countryside over there, let's start sending out the Afghan Army and Afghan police troops that we have been training for approximately 10 years -- and leave the U.S. troops back on base." 

Marine Mom also sent me this videoabout the recent Nashville flood disaster: "Shouldn't some of our money have gone to help Nashville -- instead of pouring billions into Afghanistan?"  

PPPS: The Marines aren't the only ones being ridden hard and put away wet. The American people are too. While corporatist lobbies are happily siphoning America's wealth off in order to protect their own interests, we could have used all that money on preventive infrastructure measures back here at home, so that the Nashville flood could have been prevented -- not to mention the Ohio flood and Katrina.  


Point Molate Extension on Richmond Council Agenda Tuesday

Councilmember Tom Butt
Sunday May 16, 2010 - 09:27:00 PM

This coming Tuesday, May 18, 2010, may be the most important date for the future of Point Molate since November 9, 2004 (See Point Molate is a Go, November 10, 2004). The City Council will vote on an agenda item placed by Nat Bates to extend the Upstream Point Molate Land Development Agreement (LDA) another two months from May 20 to July 20. 

The 5-year LDA initially expired on January 25, 2010, but was extended the first time until March 20, 2010. I did not vote for the first extension, but I both agendized and voted for two subsequent extensions, first to April 20 and then to May 20, because Upstream Point Molate had responded favorably to a number of issues I had with the LDA. 

That response seems to have lost momentum, and I am not inclined to continue to support the LDA. There remain three stalwart supporters, Nat Bates, Jim Rogers and Ludmyrna Lopez. Maria Viramontes supported the first extension but voted against the next two. It appears that she is now the deciding vote on a fourth extension. Her vote will either terminate the LDA or extend it until July. 

Even if the LDA is terminated, there remains the issue of a “tolling agreement,” whereby the second amendment to the LDA provides for an extension of the closing date in case of a legal challenge. A legal challenge in the form of a lawsuit brought by Citizens for East Shore Parks is the catalyst that may automatically extend the LDA whether the Richmond City Council wants to or not. In a counterintuitive irony, it may be a host of high profile environmental organizations, including the Sierra Club, that end up keeping the casino project alive because of their avarice for millions of dollars in settlement dollars to eventually purchase the North Richmond Shoreline. There are legal disagreements among several aparties as to whether the CESP lawsuit triggers the tolling agreement. 

There are other subplots that may play out at next Tuesday’s Richmond City Council meeting. Upstream Point Molate, LLC, continues to maintain that the LDA constitutes an exclusive right for the sale of Point Molate, but the California attorney general disagrees. Mayor McLaughlin is testing legally dangerous waters by agendizing a discussion of alternate futures for Point Molate (DISCUSS the rights of the city to explore various development alternatives (apart from the Upstream proposal) for the Point Molate site and direct staff, in light of continuing controversy and legal complications that could well defeat the Upstream proposal or entangle the city in litigation for years to come, to receive ideas and suggestions for alternative plans so that the city may weigh the relative costs and benefits and responsibly rise from this economic downturn - Mayor's Office (Mayor McLaughlin 620-6503). 

In any event, May 18 promises to be an exciting meeting. 

 


Response to Prof. Kondolf on BRT

By Roy Nakadegawa
Thursday May 13, 2010 - 11:03:00 PM

Matt Kondolf, a professor who teaches environmental sciences, wrote an opinion piece in a recent Daily Planet which shows that, though he may be an expert on hydrology and river restoration, he obviously does not have transportation expertise. Prof. Kondolf makes numerous distorted claims and facts. 

He states that the successful BRT systems of South America are grade separated from traffic. 

This is not true. I have visited Curitiba and several other BRTs in Brazil, examined their system and spoken with their staff, and I can assure you that they are not grade separated. Curitiba’s renown BRT and integrated land development have increased transit use and helped promote overall prosperity. Along with increase in income, automobile ownership has increased in Curitiba to about the highest per capita in Brazil, but transit ridership has also increased. 

Kondolf also claims that BART already serves the natural market for BRT. This is also not true. BART is primarily for longer distance travel, and BRT would be for more local travel. Can you conveniently get from Berkeley to the various hospitals i.e. "Pill Hill" or Kaiser using BART, or to many local businesses, schools and parks? BART serves a very limited portion of these local destinations. The proposed BRT route serves the greatest number of these destinations within a half mile of any transit line in the East Bay. That is why the BRT is estimated to carry over 40,000 trips per day. 

Kondolf claims that the DEIR concluded that the proposed BRT might increase net transit ridership by only about 1.5%. This percentage is probably comparing the increase in transit ridership of BRT to AC’s entire system. His saying we should not build BRT because it would increase AC entire transit ridership only 1.5% is like saying we should not insulate houses in Berkeley because it would reduce energy used in heating in the entire East Bay by only 1.5%. The relevant comparison regarding the BRT is not to the entire AC’s ridership, but a comparison of the no-build alternative to the BRT Alternatives. The purported figures Kondolf used referred to Table (p3-28) of the DEIR, actually shows a considerable increase of 50-76%, whereas, there is no mention of the numbers Kondolf stated. 

The current 1R express bus provides poor service because it is often delayed by traffic. Though it should operate at 12 minute intervals, you often see two 1R buses entering downtown Berkeley in tandem or a few minutes apart, so riders often need wait over 20 minutes to use the 1R. 

Though the 1R has signal priority, the bus is often unable to clear the intersection in the short time signal time the priority provides before the light changes because it is in among a queued line of vehicles. As traffic increases, this problem will worsen. 

Regards to greenhouse gas emissions, the DEIR Kondolf cites (P4-152) only shows the fuel and BTU consumption which translating to emissions per bus mile. It did not consider the additional passengers the various alternatives will carry or the overall future land use pattern that is promoted by BRT. APTA's recent climate change recommendations, the FTA's Climate Change Report of April, 2010, and the ICFI's report "Reducing GHG Emissions with Transit" all consider these land use effects and all conclude BRT reduces GHG emissions. 

Most people do not know that heavily used commuter bus lines, like Greyhound intercity buses have very low GHG emissions per passenger mile, as low as heavy rail like BART or LRT according to the “Transportation Energy Book” published by US Dept. of Energy. Because the BRT would attract and increase in riders per bus, the BRT will also lower emissions per passenger mile over current operation. Also with higher ridership and speed, the cost per passenger mile would also decrease, allowing AC Transit to provide more transit service with the limited funds it has for operation. 

 

Roy Nakadegawa P.E. 

 

Lived in Berkeley over 60 years, served as a publicly elected AC Transit and BART Director 32 years, a life member of Institute of Transportation Engineers, served 20 years on Committees of TRB (A branch of Academy of Sciences), served on an oversight committees overseeing 4 Transit Cooperative Research Publication and have traveled extensively examining various modes of transit including Curitiba, Brazil’s renowned BRT as well as several other BRTs from 5 trips to Japan, 6 trips to Europe. 

 


The Boy Scouts: A Pact With the Devil

by Harry Brill
Thursday May 13, 2010 - 10:32:00 PM

Both the wireless corporations and the federal government have hidden from the public the substantial number of studies that reveal a cause and effect relationship between cell phone sites -- towers, antennas, and other equipment -- and their adverse health effects, including cancer. In fact, in some instances, discomforting symptoms appear shortly after exposure as well as in the long run. Nor is the public warned that children are especially vulnerable, with twice the leukemia rates for those residing near cell towers compared to children who live further away. Nevertheless, despite the corporate denial of the harm done, a growing number of communities have been catching on.  

An El Cerrito community is attempting to prevent a 77 foot tower from being installed in a boy scout camp that is located next to a residential neighborhood and a beautiful park heavily used by children and adults. The community's problem is that it is battling two goliaths; the Mt. Diablo Silverado Council of the Boy Scouts of America and T-Mobile. T-Mobile, which is a giant German based multinational corporation, that offered the Council $2200 per month for the right to build the tower. The Mt. Diablo Council, which is an umbrella organization serving over 22,000 youth in several east bay counties, agreed to the deal.  

From the perspective of the community, it is a pact made in hell. The Boy Scout facility, Camp Herms, would be funded at the expense of community residents. The life span of many residents would be threatened, family life could be disrupted, and property values would decline along with the quality of life. For Mt. Diablo Silverado Council and T-Mobile, it is business without morality.  

Those who have been involved in this bitter struggle have learned firsthand how the highly moralistic rhetoric of the boy scout decision makers is light years ahead of its deeds. The Club claims its mission is to prepare young people to make "ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes". Scouts are expected "to HELP other people at all times". But in reality, its decision to allow the tower will instead HURT other people at all times.  

In fact, the Mt. Diablo Council signed the contract with T-Mobile without adequately consulting and meeting with the community. The community has asked for meetings for the purpose of exploring alternatives to the tower that would serve the interests of both the Scouts and community. Although the task of persuading the scouts may be difficult, many contracts are rescinded without legal challenges. But the Mt. Diablo Council has refused to meet and discuss the issues with those who will be impacted. So the real and awful lesson the boy scouts have learned so far is that the commitment to be respectful is worth suspending if the price is right.  

The Scouts have claimed that the research doesn't prove that there is any serious threat to residents. Yet believe it or not, T-Mobile is aware of the health risks. The company had some years earlier retained a highly rated independent research institute to evaluate the possible impact of electromagnetic radiation. The study found the following: "Given the results of the present epidemiological studies it can be concluded that electromagnetic fields with frequencies in the mobile telecommunications range do play a role in the development of cancer."* Though the study was done in Germany, an English translation has been available since 2003. 

This was not the first time that company sponsored research has revealed adverse health effects of these electromagnetic emissions. The telecommunication industry gave 28.5 million dollars to a scientific group in 1993 who it believed that it could count on. It was headed by Dr. George Carlo who had earlier found that environmental tobacco smoke was not carcinogenic and that the highly toxic dioxin produced by Dow Chemical Corporation was not really very toxic. But Dr. Carlo turned out to be a disappointment. His team concluded that electromagnetic emissions are dangerous and carcinogenic. He reported the findings to the Industry expecting that they would make important changes. Instead, he became victim of an attempt to discredit his work and attack his reputation. 

By partnering with T-Mobile, the Mt. Diablo Council has decided for the sake of the mighty dollar to do business with a corporation that already knows from the research it commissioned that electromagnetic admissions is carcinogenic. Before it is too late, the Mt. Diablo Council should instead reflect a very different kind of ethic for the young people it serves. It should cease saying one thing and practicing another. In short, the Council should rescind its decision to sell its soul to the devil.  

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* Mobile Telecommunications and Health, Ecolog Institute, April 2000 Authors: Dr. K. Hennies, Dr. H. Neitzke, Dr. H. Voigt. Translator: Andrea Klein, page 33. 

 

 

 


BRT, Activism, Densification, and Quality of Life

By Joseph Stubbs
Monday May 17, 2010 - 10:05:00 PM

The relationship between the recently defeated Bus Rapid Transit proposal (in Berkeley) and densification of our neighborhoods has ramifications which will continue to come up again and again, and it is vitally important that we look at these issues. 

Everybody knows that the more people you can deposit into a given space, the more revenue stream can be generated from that space. That revenue goes to three places. First it goes to the owner of the property, who is often also the developer. Second it goes to the bank which gave the developer or owner a loan to build/buy the property and is also collecting interest on that loan. Third it goes to the city which hosts the property, in the form of property taxes, permit fees, etc. So if a city is fiscally distressed, then encouraging new and higher density development is one thing they can do to try and help their situation. 

The problem comes in when we start to consider how higher density living situations affect the quality of life for people living in them. Although Smart Growth models focus on how to make such things work as efficiently as they can, they cannot ameliorate the fact that with people’s earning ability (or self-sufficiency quotient) held as an unchanging variable, increasing density in an already dense urban environment decreases quality of life proportionately. The specific reasons for this can be found within common wisdom, but also in specific studies. Some references would include: Quality of Life in a City: The Effect of Population Density, a Netherland study by Victoria Cramer et al, and In Growth We Trust: Sprawl, Smart Growth and Rapid Population Growth by Edwin Stennett. One example of an impact, explored by french sociologist Emile Durkheim, is an inverse relationship between population density and personal freedom. This applies most to those living directly in high density buildings and can bee seen consistently in regulations which reduce one’s freedoms in the commons to the lowest common denominator of what is acceptable to all. There are numerous other factors as well which kick in for all as our personal spaces close in on each other. 

These are opposing motivators (revenue stream issues and quality of life issues) and they set up the likelihood of a conflict of incentivization between communities of people living in neighborhoods and the city governments who are supposed to be looking out for their interests. If a community is particularly atomized, then little can be done to resist densification from going forward. But if a neighborhood has some cohesiveness in the form of neighborhood associations or other groups, then it will tend to resist densification, sometimes effectively. 

It is important to realize that regional planning associations, such as ABAG, formulate their recommendations on how much we should expect to grow on population and growth predictions which are regional in nature. Such recommendations do not always take into account the particular local conditions which define the nature of a particular community, and likewise do not necessarily take into account specific factors which have different impacts on different localities. In Berkeley, for example, much public notice has gone into the fact that although regional population has increased in the last decades, Berkeley’s population has remained relatively constant. Comparison with a commuter city on the Bay Area margin, such as Antioch, would reveal an entirely different situation, based on different factors which exist there. This is not to say that Berkeley government today employs a policy that resists densification, but it should suggest that the density growth in a particular locality can be regulated according to what a city deems its reasonable carrying capacity to be. 

Another potential problem introduces itself when higher powers recommend that we increase our density based on regional projections. Since development interest, which includes the University of California Berkeley, is largely based on principles of expansion, it is easy to conceal responsibility for a motivation to increase density on recommendations or so called “mandates” which come to us from regional planning bodies. This can conceal the degree to which an actual “need” for densification may be based more on the desires of local stakeholders as distinct from needs which really do reflect the public interest as a whole. This potential confusion is just complicated enough to rightly baffle average people who live in affected neighborhoods when it comes to establishing policy. But when a specific project threatens to intrude on their way of life, people will generally get the message. In addition to serving as intentional or unintended fronts for these stakeholders, the problem with Smart Growth ideologues is that they just can't wait to impose their new high density models on communities, even before such a thing may be actually needed. This then causes the problem that densification occurs faster than it otherwise would have under the principle that 'if you build it, they will come.' You create the infrastructural receptacle for increased density, and end up creating the density you are claiming to mitigate. 

The recent struggle around Bus Rapid Transit in Berkeley is an example of this principle in action. The principle is well illustrated in the fact that the “need” for such a BRT system in Berkeley has been promoted, not based on current demand for bus service, but on projected future demand for bus service. This is one important reason that BRT with dedicated lanes on Telegraph was able to be defeated at this point in time, even though it was quite a battle. But it is extremely important to realize that all the people who have fought so hard against this, and under a shadow of ideological rhetoric and elite consensus which was driving this project, have been fighting for more than issues revolving around bus service and traffic congestion. These people, knowing or not, have been defending our very quality of life based on the stone cold reality of what densification means for us. The BRT full build proposal carried within itself triggers for allowing new developmental incentives which were more enormous than most people realize. Suffice it to say here that the demeanor of Telegraph would have been incentivized towards dramatic changes in the coming decades: much taller, denser and with less protection for historic resources. The umbrella term under which all of these changes are officially founded is the Major Transportation Corridor, an important planning phrase to know, and one which carries with it many regulatory meanings. 

Since an increase in density is highly impactful to people living in an already dense urban community, it is an important duty of local governments to protect their populations from these impacts to an extent which is reasonable. When city governments do not do that, then communities are left to fend for themselves. Berkeley just had a success in this regard, but Berkeley is not alone in being in this position. The distressing conflict in incentivization between local governments and the people living on their streets exists everywhere, and continues to exist in Berkeley, too. If an area is desirable, one party benefits from densification, while others suffer. 

But when communities do regulate their quality of life through successfully regulating their density, then haven't they simply acted selfishly by deferring the larger regional population problems to somewhere else? Actually, the answer is no. To grossly simplify, think of a community of life in a petri dish. The dish may be finite, but their desire to grow is not. At some critical point, as elbow room starts to disappear, individuals begin to realize that there is problem. This is very important because it creates "resistance" to continued growth, and that resistance is a bottom-up force which can percolate upward and actually have an ultimate effect on the growth itself. Without this resistance, things would just continue to get worse and worse. A projection that our regional population will continue to grow and grow and that we must somehow accommodate that promotes the illusion that infinite growth is sustainable, and it's just not. Creating resistance to that is actually a necessary feedback that keeps us from ultimately becoming the frog which explodes in the warming water. So, defending this aspect of quality of life becomes a meaningful real world example of "thinking globally, and acting locally." In the end it is the ultimate green answer.


White BHS Jazz on 4th St. Fundraiser

By Steve Logan
Monday May 17, 2010 - 08:58:00 PM

The pros brought to bring in the crowds and supposedly to help a diverse and open music program at Berkeley High School were fabulous. The Jazz Mafia, Zakiya Hooker(John Lee Hooker’s daughter)and her blues band, and a wonderful samba band "Fito Reinoso" made for a great day of music. 

Fourth St. is well known for pricey, trendy upper-mid.class airs, and the businesses did well... See more today. 

Who owns these stores? There was a lot of money coming out of folks’ pockets, and most people enjoyed the thought of aiding the music program. Well, the B.H.S. Jazz was great, but I had to STRUGGLE to spot ANY person of color. 

I saw a super drummer, rotated in during the final Ensemble performance, who proceeded to steal the whole show with his amazing abilities. WHAT'S HAPPENING? 

I know music and arts programs are the first to go in public schools when dollars are tight. It was plain to see pigment-deprived people SOMEHOW manage to still pursue Jazz. They spoke of trips to compete with other Jazz bands, and boasted of the Ivy League Colleges their members were headed to. Hmmm, seems if funds are tight, the funds available should be used to ensure the well of talent the B.H.S. Jazz Program draws from is more inclusive of its deserving and obviously missing pigment-enriched population. 

I'm certain all the young musicians are hardworking, and deserve their well earned recognition, but I felt deceived. I purchased raffle tickets; food and beverages were readily available. I listened to mostly people of color-Latino and Black pros , who may have thought twice about donating their time, had they known of this "Elephant In The Living Room". If they WERE paid, by who? 

Yes, I got spectacular pictures today, but I don't much feel like posting them right now. Oh, there WAS a female saxophonist. Some people will be angry at my words, and suggest Black Musicians have abandoned Jazz, to pursue Hip Hop and Rap. THIS IS A LIE! Blues is well known to be an African American music style, born the day slavery ended, no longer just a soothing remedy to ease bondage. 

Influences of Creole, Cuban, Caribbean and European can be traced, of course, but its origin can't be denied. Jazz is refined Blues, and then we have Gospel, Rock,Soul,Pop etc. None of which would exist as we know it today without The Blues. 

To imply young people of color are disinterested in Jazz is an ignorant and poor explanation for their absence in the B.H.S.Jazz Program, and just because they have additional and NEW forms of expression doesn't excuse anything, and, actually, only underlines the creative potential available. People will say "why is it always about race?". Well, living in Berkeley, including having been bused in the 6th grade, taught me our world has many folks of color, who are a large part of our community. Their contributions are precious, and we must ensure opportunities to participate in Jazz at B.H.S are readily available. 

I had fun today, but when I got home, and started thinking, I got this sickening feeling, and felt ashamed of being a Berkeleyan, participating in this bullshit fund raiser for an obviously privileged, exclusive group that just happened to also make a lot of money for what I suspect to be primarily White, yes, I said it, White owned businesses. 

It makes me want to puke, watching them perform genius compositions by the likes of Charles Mingus, an African American musical phenomenon, who underwent electroshock treatments, and died isolated and misunderstood. 

We need to fix this. I will continue to express my opinions of what I saw. We, the Berkeley Community, must not allow such blatant discrimination to go on in our public school s ystem. Shame on you.


Children in Afghanistan Need Used English Books

By Lt. Colonel Donald Davis
Tuesday May 18, 2010 - 08:58:00 AM

I would like to you consider what I believe to be a fairly easy community service project that can potentially make a significant difference in the country of Afghanistan.Making a difference for the people of Afghanistan can make a very real difference for America. 

The US Army is working hard to give Afghanistan an army of its own, a police force of its own, and facilities for the Army and police to work and live out of.If we are successful, Afghanistan will someday be able to police its own borders and towns, and to protect its own government and country.This would be a good thing for Afghanistan, but it would not really change this country – Afghanistan would always need more police and more soldiers and more US money to pay for them.Real change will come when the reasons this country needs a bigger police force and a bigger army are corrected. 

Afghanistan is a very old country.Its history is long – more than 3000 years.But Afghanistan has not grown as a country for a very long time.Many other countries have invaded it, and many countries have kept it weak. The fighting amongst the Afghan tribes has also kept the country weak and cut off from the World.In many ways, life in Afghanistan today is much like life in Europe before 1500 a.d., before the Renaissance Era. 

To be successful in today’s world, the country of Afghanistan must become a member of the world community of nations in a way that it has never been able to.When Afghanistan is strong enough to trade its goods and services in the world economy, when Afghanistan can send its students abroad to study, when Afghanistan can participate in the international debates then will Afghanistan be strong enough to take care of its borders and government.One of the ways in which the people of Afghanistan could become so strong is by learning English.Our language is the language if business, of international education, of the internet.By giving these people the tools to learn English, you can help them become members of the world community. 

What I would ask of you is this: 

1. Find the books in your homes that you read when you were younger, even the one-word-per-picture books.Find the books you learned to read with.Find the books that your family is done with.Please do not buy new books.New books in a mud and straw hut do not stay new for long. 

2. Package the books in Post Office flat-rate shipping boxes.Books that don’t fit these standard boxes should stay in California.Shipping in non-standard boxes will significantly increase the cost of this program. 

3. Please add notes, pictures, letters that you would like me to share with the children of Afghanistan.Please do not put addresses or phone numbers in your letters.Let them know how you see the world, how you feel about school, what you do on weekends, what you do at church or Scouts.Share the ideas that make you “American.” 

4. Send the books to me at this address: 

Don Davis 

USACE Area Office 

Camp Stone 

APOAE-09354 

When the books arrive, we will get them to kids and schools in the rural communities throughout the Harat, Farah, Ghor, and Badghis Provinces where we are working.Real kids will have real books from which they can begin to piece together the English language.These kids may get to study English in their schools and homes, they will use English on the internet, and they will conduct business in English as adults.Every child we help to become a successful adult with hope for the future is one less angry adult we will have to fight in the years to come. We can make America stronger by sharing our language with these people. 

Lt. Colonel Donald Karl Davis is a graduate of Berkeley High School who is in Afghanistan with the US Army Engineer Corps. He is the Officer in Charge of the Harat Area Office. This letter was originally addressed to Los Altos Girl Scouts who had sent cookies to the troops there.


Columns

Blogbeat: Burritos per Barrel

By Thomas Lord
Monday May 17, 2010 - 09:00:00 AM

I want to talk about the World Wide Web but, first, some talk about money. 

Big numbers are hard to wrap your head around, especially with dollar signs attached. Consider, for example, $500,000,000. That is: $500 million. How much money is that? 

Well, let's talk about money and oil and big numbers. And energy. And Berkeley. And the web. Oh, and that mess in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Mostly, though, let's talk about the World Wide Web. 

$500 million works out to roughly one meal a week for a year at Chez Panisse (wine included), for every single person living in Berkeley. I based my math on a population figure (2000 census) at www.wikipedia.org and on a discussion of Chez Panisse prices at local blog www.berkeleyside.com

In burritos, based on a menu linked from www.yelp.com, it works out to a free burrito for every Berkeleyan, every day, for about 3 years. 

As widely reported, BP - our friends having some trouble in the Gulf of Mexico these days - said on 13 May that they'd spent $450 million so far on the response. By today, I'm sure they're past the $500 million mark. The information comes from a filing BP made to the SEC. The filing was very widely reported and is easy to find with any decent web search engine. 

There is an interesting coincidence about that number: $500 million. Some might remember that in 2007 BP selected the University of California and Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory to "lead an unprecedented $500 million research effort to develop new sources of energy and reduce the impact of energy consumption on the environment." If you'd like to see the press release, visit berkeley.edu/news and search for "BP 500" or similar terms. 

Critical to winning that grant from BP was of course the former director of Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Steven Chu - who is currently the United States Secretary of Energy. (See wikipedia.org). 

Mr. Chu (as widely reported) has recently sent a team of five experts to consult with BP about the response to the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Among these is Professor of Civil Engineering George Cooper, from the University of California at Berkeley and a senior petroleum engineer at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. You can find out about his expertise in drilling by searching for his name at berkeley.edu. Among other things, he has worked on developing theories about how to do deep drilling on Mars. (To be clear, he also appears to my lay eyes to have done a heck of a lot of serious work about drilling here on Earth.) 

Another Berkeley connection is Professor Robert B. Bea, another engineer at Cal and (among other things) an expert in "Risk Assessment and Management of Engineered Infrastructure Systems". You might have seen his rather damning assessment on the 16 May edition of 60 minutes (search www.cbsnews.com). The LA Times reports that he is also advising the federal administration (search www.latimes.com). Professor Bea had a hand in analyzing the Challenger space shuttle disaster. 

And, well, so what? 

Remember, this piece is mostly about the web. So let me turn away from oil and the Gulf and $500 million for a moment. 

Many sources (say, cbs5.com) have reported in some detail about a recent house fire in North Berkeley. Today also brings other sad news that a Berkeley man was shot in Richmond. 

The web is awash in news local to Berkeley, if you know where to look. 

And yet: 

A few weeks ago, a fellow was shot in front of my South Berkeley apartment - and I can find no record of this on the World Wide Web. A bit after that, on our quiet residential street, a speeding car struck three or four other vehicles before overturning and, subsequently, a passenger was taken to the hospital and, allegedly, according to anonymous sources on the street, a drunk driving arrest was made. I happened not to be present for either event and neither is recorded on the Web. 

And today there was a significant house fire on Acton St. but no reporter in sight and I don't expect that house fire to receive the press or Web attention of the one in North Berkeley. 

Consulting the local blogs for news of our city what do I find? I find tired rehearsals of the burning question of whether or not Becky O'Malley is an anti-semite. I find endlessly repeated reports about the virtues or sins of our school lunch programs and edible gardens. There are theater reviews, restaurant reviews, celebrity chef interviews, author interviews, thin-on-facts opinion-pieces, countless lovely photographs.... but not one word about a serious house fire, a man being shot, and a speeding car losing control and overturning. 

The Gulf of Mexico is, quite literally and also figuratively, on fire. We can trace Berkeley Connections, in what passes for on-line news, with exquisite detail - I've barely scratched the surface here. And yet, there is so much that locally matters - that demands a public account - that happens all about entirely out of public view. You know, like: someone got shot. Someone not on North Side had a serious house fire. 

And so, dear readers, I'd like your help in an experiment. Will you? I ask two things of you: 

First, if you know of good sources of on-line local news information (for Berkeley and the surrounding areas) by gosh, please tip me off to them. I'll do what I can to publicize those. I give my email address below. 

Second, if you can, please become a bit of a citizen reporter, at least for your block or stretch of road. Become a blogger, if you like, but if you can just at least take pictures, interview folks, and alert people like myself and the Berkeley Daily Planet to news that will otherwise be lost. 

Meanwhile, I'll continue this experiment of drawing a column based on "local news found on the web" but - and I'm sure you'll agree - if all I can find facts for is the number of burritos per oil spill it won't be a very interesting column. So do please be in touch. 

My email address is "lord@emf.net".


First Person: Lifestyles of the Mentally Ill

By Jack Bragen
Thursday May 13, 2010 - 11:05:00 PM

Americans are taught to think of mentally ill people as freaks or misfits. Usage of the word, “psychotic,” as a noun to designate a mentally ill person, is widespread. You may not realize that such a usage is hurtful and insulting to people who have to deal with these illnesses on a day-to-day basis. The word “psychotic” in correct English is an adjective that describes some of the symptoms mentally ill people must endure. 

The symptoms of a major mental illness, as you might have guessed, are no stroll on the beach. Being medicated is the somewhat lesser of the two evils, the alternative being an uncontrolled disease that sweeps away reason and any type of normality. Medications can reduce the symptoms of a major mental illness so that we can then function in society, (even if forced to be on the fringes of society). In the absence of medication, the symptoms of the illness can induce an astronomical level of suffering and can cause death due to either excessive stress on the body, or because of an incorrect action due to suicidal impulses or due to being delusional. 

If mentally ill people seem to behave in a bizarre manner, it may be because of dealing with a major malfunction in the brain. The phenomenon of severe mental illness defies many people’s common sense. When someone has two arms, two legs, eyes, a nose and a mouth, people often expect that they should behave normally. The idea of a brain malfunction causing bizarre, suicidal, or strange behavior goes against how people often perceive people, including themselves. Most people take sane, safe and normal behavior for granted. This expectation contributes to the perception that a mentally ill person is an abnormal person when one is encountered. 

The mentally ill man or woman must deal with several types of adversity. Most of society seems to have a negative view of those with mental illness, and this contributes to adverse treatment. Many people believe mentally ill persons lack intelligence. Many people may believe mentally ill persons do not experience pain, suffering and other emotions the same as they. These two perceptions aren’t accurate. The erroneous belief that the mentally ill don’t experience pain often leads to cruel treatment toward the mentally ill by members of the general public or by some caregivers. 

Many in the public believe that persons with a mental illness are sick and depraved people. The poor grooming and appearance of many mentally ill people could foster this misconception. (When someone is struggling just to make it through the day, grooming sometimes falls by the wayside.) 

While these illnesses can cause some afflicted people to break some laws while in a state of delusion or disorientation, most needn’t be regarded with fear or perceived as criminals. Having a criminal mind is a different category of sickness than the one I am discussing in this paper. 

Aside from our “bad rap” with the public, there are several other types of adversity that a mentally ill person must deal with. The medical and legal establishments mandate that mentally ill people be medicated. Other forms of treatment are not being explored, and this may be in part because of the powerful lobby of the drug companies. When mentally ill people go off medication, the result is usually disastrous. This convinces many people that medication is the one and only solution to these illnesses. If some type of mental training were introduced, it would have to be done at the onset of the illness to have a chance of working. However, this hasn’t been tried, so far as I have heard. Thus, mentally ill people are stuck being medicated for the rest of our lives. 

Whether or not an alternative treatment would work doesn’t alter the fact that the side effects of these medications are hard to endure. Some of the anti-psychotic medications induce physical suffering and at the same time block the capacity for transcendent functioning. It is only transcendence that could hypothetically ease such suffering and make the life of a mentally ill person tolerable. 

Side effects of the medications include, but are not limited to: physical restlessness; stiffness in the body; depression; lethargy; weight gain; involuntary and irreversible spasms of the mouth and upper body; diabetes; dry mouth; “drugged” feeling; and sometimes death. The existence of these side effects may explain to you why you have seen people displaying some of the above characteristics. You may have learned to automatically avoid such a person. 

Much suffering arises due to the side effects I have listed above. Medication side effects are one reason why it is sometimes hard to get a psychiatric patient to cooperate with their medication regime. Also known as “noncompliance” the non-cooperation with doctors is also caused by a lack of insight about having a psychiatric illness. The insight can only come to the patient when they are in recovery and can then think with some amount of clarity. 

Denial of one’s condition is a major reason why many psychiatric consumers get repeated hospitalizations and never make significant progress in their lives. It requires a lot of ego strength to acknowledge having an imperfection like schizophrenia or bipolar, and this type of strength is not always the most common. 

Another challenge in life for the mentally ill person is the likelihood of being unemployable. While there are people with major mental illnesses who work and who hold high level professional employment, there are also those who find work to be nearly impracticable. Their mental condition in combination with the hindering effects of medications and some other factors, such as possible PTSD, and the possibility of having a poor work history due to failed work attempts, add up to the improbability of working. 

Without being able to hold a job, the mental health consumer must rely on public benefits and on the generosity of parents. Numerous mentally ill people for this reason live in comparative poverty. 

People with mental illness are more likely to have additional health risks. Smoking and obesity are very common for the mental health consumer, and so are the related medical conditions. The medication we must take slows the metabolism, increases appetite, and often produces an amount of lethargy that makes exercise improbable. It is not uncommon for people starting these medications to gain a hundred pounds or more in the first year of treatment. For any other condition besides mental illness being treated, such as cancer, a treatment that causes this type of weight gain would be considered by the medical establishment to be absolutely unacceptable. 

Smoking is very common among mentally ill people, especially those who suffer from a psychotic type disorder. There is evidence that nicotine helps the brains of schizophrenic people function better. It is harder for mentally ill people to quit smoking than for those not afflicted. 

Yet, mentally ill people are unlikely to get coronary bypass surgery when needed. Instead, the person with major mental illness has the tendency to become deceased. The lifespan of the person with a major mental illness is about twenty years less than the average lifespan in the U.S. 

Numerous persons with mental illnesses never, in their adult lives, learn to think with a good amount of clarity. It is only by thinking with this clarity that people can make the right decisions in life, or can formulate plans to achieve a goal. Mental clarity is also good for handling challenging situations that periodically arise in life. By never reaching clarity, a mentally ill person might never see their way to a substantial adaptation to life. I’m using the word “adaptation” here as a replacement for the word, “recovery.” These illnesses never really go away; it is always necessary to keep on top of symptoms to prevent a relapse. So, in the absence of recovery, there is adaptation, something that happens when the illness no longer dictates the life conditions for the mentally ill person. 

Also, when someone has clear thinking, it becomes possible to have power over one’s behavior. A person is no longer necessarily subject to any impulses that arise. One can decide how they want to behave, and can implement that decision. 

Clear and organized thought isn’t exactly the trademark of a schizophrenic person. However, clear thinking can be learned through deliberate mental exercises. The schizophrenic person needs to start by developing a system whereby they can identify and negate their delusions, while on medication. Yet the same rule still applies to a psychiatric consumer who has done mental exercises; medication and other treatment are still necessary. 

Many mentally ill persons whom I know frequently feel alone and often suffer from bouts of intense anxiety. Many mentally ill people don’t know what to do to fill up their time, and this can be a source of agitation. 

The mentally ill are often denied many of the finer things in life that the average individual may take for granted. And this deprivation seems to be totally unfair. 

Mentally ill people often get a number of thoughts and feelings that are negative or disorganized, and that cannot be controlled via willpower. Some times, the afflicted persons actions are beyond their control. 

We often have numerous sources of suffering on our plate; and this can create hopelessness. And yet most of us, but not all, somehow find a way to keep going. 

 


The Public Eye: What Caused the BP Oil Leak? Magical Thinking.

Bob Burnett
Monday May 17, 2010 - 12:08:00 PM

Over the past twenty months the USA has experienced two cataclysmic disasters, the 2008 near meltdown of the financial system and the recent Gulf Coast ecological disaster resulting from a deep-sea oil leak. While both events resulted from failed oversight, they have a deeper genesis: magical thinking. 

Magical thinking is best thought of as pre-rational reasoning. The Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget called it preoperational because it does not apply adult rules of logic. 

Several types of magical thinking are prevalent in American culture and influence political decisions. The most common is the belief that science can solve all problems. While an ancient belief – in previous generations scientist were sometimes regarded as magicians – it gained wide credence after World War II. Deployment of nuclear reactors was justified by the widespread belief that the terrible problem of spent fuel would eventually be solved by new scientific discoveries. Sixty years later, the problem of nuclear waste persists. 

The collapse of the British Petroleum/Deepwater Horizon drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico illustrates a variety of this form of magical thinking: if they can build it, it must be safe. (This same belief caused New Yorkers to regard the World Trade Center as indestructible.) In fact the drilling rig lacked an operational blowout preventer. Given the frequency of accidents on offshore oilrigs -- in just the Gulf of Mexico, there were 39 incidents in the first five months of 2009 -- reasonable oversight would have insisted on a state-of-the-art fully functional blowout preventer rather than blind faith. 

2008’s financial disaster was precipitated by another form of magical thinking: the worldwide financial marketplace is self-correcting, the belief that whatever kinds of economic problems occurred the market would fix them without government involvement. (A variation of this belief predicted the market would provide healthcare for all Americans.) For thirty years, the Chicago School of Economics promoted Wall Street deregulation by insisting that markets were inherently self-regulating and, no matter how severe the setback, markets would quickly return to equilibrium. This conservative theory touted “efficiency,” “productivity,” and “trickle-down equity” as the inevitable byproducts of laissez-faire capitalism. The result was a savage increase in monopoly capitalism, savage inequality, and the loss of eight million jobs. 

Blind faith in science and belief the market will solve all our problems derive from a core magical belief: what is good for capitalism is good for America. It’s easy to poke holes in this belief – by for example, noting that unbridled capitalism utilizes slave labor and condones obscene pollution – but it has an ironclad grip on the American psyche. (A famous twentieth century bestseller,  

">The Man Nobody Knows portrayed Jesus as the founder of modern business.) Logically, this is an example of the Fallacy of Accident, a generalization that ignores obvious exceptions. 

Magical thinking would be of only academic interest if it did not have such a profound affect on public policy. Naïve faith in science and the “self-correcting” marketplace led to deregulation and, ultimately, horrendous disasters. Now America is facing difficult choices about issues such as deficit reduction and energy. Widespread use of magical thinking could preclude wise decisions. 

Most Americans are worried about the deficit. But they also want their taxes to be reduced. When asked the best way to both reduce the deficit and cut taxes, they typically answer reduce wasteful government programs. Magical thinking believes this is plausible and uses miniscule examples of ill-conceived Federal programs to support an unwarranted generalization: all government programs are wasteful

But they’re not. Roughly 46 percent of budget goes to military-related spending that most Americans don’t want to reduce. Another 39 percent goes to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid programs that most Americans support. That leaves approximately 15 percent of expenditures that could theoretically be reduced. But this includes items like the interest on the debt and homeland security, programs that Americans support once they understand the details. As was true in the meltdown of the financial system and the BP oil leak, magical thinking will not allow the US to both reduce the deficit and taxes. The solution to the deficit problem is to raise taxes for corporations and the rich. 

Similarly, most Americans are worried about our reliance on foreign oil imports. But so far they haven’t been willing to make the difficult choices that will solve the problem. Writing in the January issue of FOREIGN POLICY Ted Nordhaus and Michael Shellenberger note the problem of magical thinking, the widespread belief that “energy efficiency pays for itself, solar and wind power are already nearly cost competitive with fossil fuels, and both can quickly and cheaply reduce emissions.” This form of magical thinking makes it easy for us to avoid both fossil-fuel taxes and major investment in new energy technology. 

The root cause of the 2008 meltdown of the financial system and the BP oil leak was magical thinking. As America faces difficult choices on deficit reduction and energy policy, shouldn’t our elected officials act like rational adults? 

Bob Burnett is a Berkeley writer. He can be reached at bobburnett@comcast.net


Senior Power: Current Awareness: “What’s the CSL?”

By Helen Rippier Wheeler
Monday May 17, 2010 - 09:48:00 PM

How’s your current awareness ? If you’re aged in California, you should know about the CSL.Alas, too many people have never heard of it. 

1. CSL stands for ____________ [one of these] 

California Senior Legislature 

Consejo de Leyes de Seguro Social 

Council on Social Legislation 

2. TRUE? FALSE? The California Commission on Aging was recently requested to develop a forum through which older Californians could develop their legislative priorities. 

3. The CSL is: check any that apply: 

Nonpartisan Volunteer 

Elected Made up of persons 50 years of age and older 

Funded by taxes Established by state law 

xxxx 

The California Assembly’s standing Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care’s primary jurisdiction consists of the Area Agencies on Aging, California Department of Aging, Older Americans Act, Older Californians Act, California Senior Legislature and State Commission on Aging, as well as long-term care services, senior citizens advocacy activities, and services for seniors in residential and day settings 

In 1980, the State Legislature requested the Commission on Aging to develop a forum through which older Californians could develop their legislative priorities. The California Senior Legislature (CSL) was established the following year. It is a nonpartisan, volunteer organization of 120 elected members who generate bill proposals on senior issues. CSL receives no state, general or federal funds. Its operating funds come from State Income Tax donations.  

As established by state law, the mission of the CSL is to help preserve and enhance the quality of life for older Californians and their families. CSL objectives include identifying priority senior concerns, developing legislative proposals in response to those concerns, and advocating for their inclusion in legislative proposals of the State Legislature. 

The California Senior Legislature will celebrate 30 years of service to older Californians at its 2010 Annual Legislative Session in Sacramento October 26 – 28. In the past, sessions have been televised on the California Channel. 

xxxx 

Forty Senior Senators and 80 Senior Assembly Members are elected by their peers (persons 60 years of age and older) to represent seniors throughout the State. There are 5 different ways that the local (county) Area Agencies on Aging can manage these elections.The Commission on Aging permits them to make that choice, contending that “Each area is different and their resources vary in nature so they have to adapt to what works for them.”  

The CSL is “a shell of its former self” declares a colleague, and I agree. The so-called choice does not appear to be an election by one’s peers. In Alameda County this year, the Advisory Commission on Aging, whose members are appointed, determined that the election be by secret votes by AAA Commissioners (appointees) and heldduring the regular Advisory Commission on Aging meeting on May 10th. If the general public or any organizations had wanted to show support for any of the candidates, they could have done so by a letter of support before April 21st. 

The CSL has met in Sacramento each October to convene a model legislative session in the chambers and hearing rooms of the State Capitol. Members participate in hearing testimony, debating issues, and voting to approve or disapprove up to 120 legislative proposals. Senior Legislators seek State lawmakers to author at least 10 of the Session's priority proposals. They then work throughout the year to ensure adoption of these measures. Those currently active in the Legislature include:  

AJR 34: Hearing aid availability and cost. 

My CSL source doubts that this will go further. “There are many opponents. It sounds great but the medical professions object because it references over the counter hearing aids. … Last year it was picked up by a legislator but dropped eventually.” 

AB 2051:Disaster emergency transportation for disabled and seniors.  

AB 2051 Proposal AP25 “was a good one but if the program requires funding from the State, then it's not going to go…”  

SCR 74: Senior volunteer month

“… Proposal Honoring Senior Volunteers in May is almost a done deal.”  

AJR 32: Gender discrimination.  

“AJR 32 SFP1 … looks very much like it’s on neutral ground so it may pass but I do not know how the Governor will feel.” 

A sidelight: In 2004, Senior Senator Joanna Kim-Selby proposed what came to be known as the “grab bar” bill.It would have required the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) regarding installation of grab bars and non-skid flooring or mats in hotel bathrooms. It passed both houses and was sent to Governor Schwarzenegger, who returned it, unsigned. So watch your step. 

xxxx 

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION: 

The “City of Berkeley OLDER ADULT RESOURCE GUIDE 2009” is available at the North Berkeley Senior Center (corner MLK and Hearst, (510)981-5190). Request your free copy at the front desk… after you sign in.Attendance statistics are vital to a senior center’s survival! 

The Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists [1606 Bonita Ave., 94709-2022. (510) 841-4824] is hosting the Berkeley Cache, a Berkeley Disaster Preparedness Neighbor Network, on Thursday, May 20 at 7 P.M. “BFUU seeks to be a ‘sanctuary’ during times of crisis or emergency.” This is especially needed in these times of curtailment of senior center functions (During a 2002 fire, tenants from a neighboring senior and disabled persons’ apartment house were evacuated to BFUU’s building.). 

I recently received an email from a Berkeley Daily Planet reader in New Zealand! More Senior Power columns FEEDBACK would be appreciated. Please let me know what you think of this column, as well as what you would like to read about in it… problems, topics you want addressed or discussed. For example, ageism, caregivers, new books, elder abuse, events calendar, health, HIPPIA, hospice, housing, in-home care, interviews, Lavender seniors, legal resources, local senior celebrities, Q&A, Section 8, Spanish language version, status of women, transportation. It would be helpful if you would include your age, city of residence or employment, and other characteristics.  

Helen Rippier Wheeler can be reached at pen136@dslextreme.com 

No email attachments; use “Senior Power” for subject.


Reader's Recommendation: Anzu Restaurant

By Dorothy Snodgrass
Thursday May 13, 2010 - 11:22:00 PM

Dedicated to my pursuit of discovering low cost restaurants, I've now extending that search to international restaurants. Accordingly, I hereby highly recommend Anzu, specializing in Japanese cuisine. This small but very attractive restaurant is located at 2433 Shattuck Avenue (across from the Toyota dealer if you have trouble spotting it). 

On entering, patrons are warmly greeted by a gracious hostess, who seats you and promptly pours a cup of tea. 

Though it's a long, narrow room, tables are discreetly separated by screens, assuring you and your friends privacy. The menu is enticing. Served on Bento plates, one has two choices -- beef terriyaki or chicken terriyaki, and absolutely delicious tempura. With this comes a delicious soup, small salad and fruit. All for just $6.95! I ask, can you beat that for a bargain? 

Dorothy Snodgrass


Wild Neighbors: Ghosts of the Alaka’i

By Joe Eaton
Thursday May 13, 2010 - 09:30:00 AM
Crossroads in the Alaka'i Swamp, Kaua'i.
Ron Sullivan
Crossroads in the Alaka'i Swamp, Kaua'i.

One last Kaua’i column and I’ll have gotten it out of my system.

Early on in our visit we spent a day in the Alaka’i Swamp, in the highlands of western Kaua’i. Not strictly a swamp in hydrological terms, it’s more of a bog where rainwater has collected above an impermeable layer of lava. It even has bog plants like the carnivorous sundew, the same species that grows in the Arctic tundra, probably transported to the island on the plumage of a migrating Pacific golden plover. There are patches of stunted ‘ohi’a trees, similar to the pygmy forests of the Mendocino coast. 

This is one of the last remnants of the old Hawai’i. Most of the plants are native, despite the incursion of kahili ginger: canoe-quality koa trees; ancient ‘ohi’as that have fallen over but refused to die, upholstered with ferns, vines, and lilies; lobelia relatives with arcuate flowers. In the absence of grazing mammals, some have dropped their defenses, resulting in stingless nettles, clawless catbriers, and mintless mints. 

That’s true of the birds—the real draw for us—as well. We saw and heard plenty of exotics, including incongruous northern cardinals, white-rumped shamas, and Japanese white-eyes. But in the Alakai they were outnumbered by natives, mostly Hawai’ian honeycreepers or drepanids—“dreps” for short. Drepanids are one of the great exemplars of how evolution works in an island setting. “They make Darwin’s finches look sick!” said a tour guide on the Big Island a few years ago.  

From a common ancestor something like a North American goldfinch or housefinch, the honeycreepers diversified into at least 51 species, each with its own anatomical and behavioral specializations. The drepanid tool kit includes long curved bills for probing flowers, crossed mandibles for prying open buds, heavy parrotlike bills for crushing seeds.  

Unfortunately, most of these remarkable birds have gone extinct: 

a first wave when the Polynesians cleared the lowland forests for agriculture, then, within the last century, a second driven by mosquito-borne diseases like avian malaria. By the time the government got around to conferring endangered status on some of the survivors, they had been reduced to remnant populations at altitudes too high for mosquitoes. Other groups of birds, like the native thrushes related to the Townsend’s solitaire and the extraordinary o’os, met the same fate. With reduced numbers, they were vulnerable to environmental catastrophes. Several Kaua’i species have not been seen since Hurricane Iniki. 

A few are hanging on in the Alaka’i. Knowing our chances of finding these birds on our own were virtually nil, we hired a local guide, David Kuhn, to take us there. Access involved a tortuous dirt road that our rental PT Cruiser could never have managed, then a hike along a boardwalk trail. Kuhn, a sound recordist who captures the voices of humpback whales as will as songbirds soundshawaiian.com , took us to the junction of the Alaka’i Swamp and Pihea trails, then down a side path to an opening in the forest. One by one, the birds checked in. 

We were visited by Kaua’i ‘elepaios, active and personable Old World flycatchers that reminded us strongly of wrens with their cocked tails and loud chatter. A pair of crimson ‘apapane flew by, and a scarlet i’iwi stopped to nectar at one of those curved lobelioid blossoms, its long orange bill a perfect fit for the shape of the flower. Then came a bright yellow male ‘anianiau, a small, short-billed bird something like a Wilson’s warbler, and a greenish Kaua’i ‘amakihi with a longer, more curved beak. The ‘elepaio, ‘anianiau, and ‘amakihi were endemic Kaua’i species; the ‘elepaio and ‘amakihi have close relatives on other islands, but the ‘anianiau is truly one of a kind. 

Another target eluded us, though. We may have heard the upslurred chirp of the ‘akeke’e, a goldfinch-like bird with a black mask, but none ever showed itself. Kuhn said the species had been getting harder to find lately, which sounded ominous. He staked out a couple of spots they were known to frequent, but no ‘akeke’e. Two other birds, a honeycreeper and a thrush, would have required a serious slog into the depths of the Alaka’i. 

We couldn’t complain, though, about the best day’s birding we’d had in years. It was a privilege to see as much as we saw—a window into a vanishing world.  

The birds of the Alaka’i are still in grave jeopardy. Although the place is mosquito-free for now, global warming is expected to expand the insects’ habitable zone. Some native songbirds may be evolving resistance to the malaria pathogen, but others may not be able to adapt fast enough.  

I picked up a two-CD set of Hawai’ian bird calls in preparation for the trip. It includes the only recordings of a Kaua’i ‘o’o, a lone male in the Alaka’i, singing his heart out. It seems inevitable that some of the species we saw there will sooner or later join him in the chorus of ghosts.


Arts & Events

Readings-East Bay Through May 30

Tuesday May 18, 2010 - 09:35:00 AM

BERKELEY HILLSIDE CLUB  

Arlene Blum, May 23, 7 p.m. The author talks about "Breaking Trail: Molecules and Mountains.''  

2286 Cedar St., Berkeley. (510) 845-1350.< 

 

BOOKS INC., ALAMEDA  

Louis Sachar, May 27, 6:30 p.m. The author talks about "Cardturner.''  

Dan Fost, May 28, 7:30 p.m. The author talks about "Giants Past and Present.''  

Free. Readings at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 1344 Park St., Alameda. (510) 522-2226, www.booksinc.net.

 

BOOKS INC., BERKELEY  

Sam Barry and Kathi Goldmark, May 23, 6 p.m. The author talks about "Write that Book Already! The Tough Love You Need to Get Published Now.''  

Sarah Marx Feldner, May 24, 7 p.m. The author talks about "Cook's Journey to Japan.''  

Jeremy Loving, May 25, 7 p.m. The author talks about "Mark Twain: The Adventures of Samuel L. Clemens.''  

Meghan Daum, May 26, 7 p.m. The author talks about "Life Would Be Perfect IF I Lived in That House.''  

Wes Moore, May 27, 7 p.m. The author talks about "The Other Wes Moore.''  

1760 4th Street, Berkeley. (510) 525-7777, www.booksinc.net.

 

DIESEL, A BOOKSTORE  

Steve Kowit and Alicia Suskin Ostriker, May 23, 3 p.m. Kowit talks about "Crossing Borders'' and Suskin talks about "The Book of Seventy.''  

5433 College Avenue, Oakland. (510) 653-9965.< 

 

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF BERKELEY  

Sebastian Junger, May 24, 7:30 p.m. The author talks about "WAR: As Soldiers Really Live It.'' $10-$12.  

2345 Channing Way, Berkeley. (510) 848-3696, www.fccb.org.

 

MOE'S BOOKS  

Andrew Joron, Ivan Arguelles and Sotore Torregian, May 26. The poets read their recent work.  

10 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. 2476 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley. (510) 849-2087, www.moesbooks.com.

 

MRS. DALLOWAY'S  

Michael Chabon, May 21, 7:30 p.m. The author talks about "Manhood for Amateurs.''  

Deborah Underwood, May 22, 2 p.m. The author talks about "The Quiet Book.''  

Barbara Quick, May 23, 4 p.m. The author talks about "A Golden Web.''  

Dorothea Lasky and Joe Wenderoth, May 24, 5 p.m. Lasky talks about "Black Life'' and Wenderoth talks about "No Real Life.''  

Phyllis Theroux, May 27, 5 and 7 p.m. The author offers a workshop at 5 p.m. and talks about her new book "The Journal Keeper.''  

2904 College Avenue, Berkeley. (510) 704-8222.<


Stage-East Bay Through May 30

Tuesday May 18, 2010 - 09:30:00 AM

ALTARENA PLAYHOUSE  

"Sylvia," through June 13, Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Jun. 3 and 10, 8 p.m. Can long-married empty-nesters Greg and Kate learn to love their adopted new family member, an abandoned street-smart mutt named Sylvia? Will Sylvia bring them closer together or compete for their affection? $19-$22.  

1409 High St., Alameda. (510) 523-1553, www.altarena.org.

 

AURORA THEATRE COMPANY  

"A Marvelous Party: A Noel Coward Celebration," through June 26, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2:30 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30 p.m. This exhilarating evening of song and sparkling repartee features Coward's witty lyrics and contagious melodies. $18-$45.  

Aurora Theatre, 2081 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 843-4822, www.auroratheatre.org.

 

DIABLO ACTORS ENSEMBLE THEATRE  

CLOSING -- "Same Time Next Year," by Bernard Slade, through May 23, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. An accountant and a housewife meet at a Northern California inn once a year, despite the fact that they are both married to other people. $10-$25.  

1345 Locust Street, Walnut Creek. (925) 482-5110, www.diabloactors.com.

 

LA PENA CULTURAL CENTER  

"I Heart Hamas: And Other Things I'm Afraid to Tell You," by Jennifer Jajeh, May 27 through May 28, 8 p.m. A Palestinian=American returns to her parents' hometown of Ramallah at the start of the Second Intifada. $15-$20.  

3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 849-2568, www.lapena.org.

 

LA VAL'S SUBTERRANEAN THEATRE  

"Twelfth Night," by William Shakespeare, through June 12, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m. Impact Theatre presents this classic Shakespeare comedy. $10.  

1834 Euclid Ave., Berkeley. (510) 464-4468.< 

 

THE MARSH BERKELEY  

CLOSING -- "What Just Happened," by Nina Wise, through May 22, Friday, 9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 p.m. Wise presents an evening improvisation based on personal and political events which have transpired over the previous 24 hours. $20-$35.  

The Gaia Building, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. Info: (415) 826-5750, Tickets: (800) 838-3006, www.themarsh.org.

 

WILLOWS CABARET AT THE CAMPBELL THEATRE  

"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," through June 6. The Red Baron patrols the skies, the Doctor is in, and the "blankie'' is in jeopardy again. $14-$32.  

636 Ward St., Martinez. (925) 798-1300, www.willowstheatre.org.<


Popmusic-East Bay Through May 30

Tuesday May 18, 2010 - 09:26:00 AM

924 GILMAN ST. -- All ages welcome. 

Crow, Conquest for Death, Cross Stitched Eyes, Acephalix, Surrender, No Statik, May 21, 7:30 p.m.  

Talk is Poison, Saviours, In Disgust, Walls, Cardboard Funeral, May 22, 7:30 p.m. $8.  

End of a Year, Wolves and Thieves, Bastards of Young, Salted Earth, May 28, 7:30 p.m. $8.  

$5 unless otherwise noted. Shows start Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 924 Gilman St., Berkeley. (510) 525-9926, www.924gilman.org.

 

AFIKOMEN JUDAICA  

The Levins World Folk Ensemble, May 23, 3 p.m.  

3042 Claremont Ave., Berkeley. (510) 655-1977, www.afikomen.com.

 

ALBATROSS PUB  

Whiskey Brothers, First and third Wednesdays, 9 p.m. Free.  

Beep! With Michael Coleman Jazz Trio, May 29, 9:30 p.m. $3.  

Free unless otherwise noted. Shows begin Wednesday, 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 1822 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. (510) 843-2473, www.albatrosspub.com.

 

ASHKENAZ  

Mystic Man and Rascin Gede Haitian Drum Band and Rara Fusion Dance Troupe, May 21, 9:30 p.m. $10-$13.  

Tambores do Remelexo, Aquarela Dance Troupe and Pagode Grup da Sete, May 22, 9 p.m. $10-$13.  

Bishop O'Dowd Jazz Band End of the Year Blowout, May 23, 7 p.m. $8.  

Ladybug Picnic, May 23, 3 p.m. $4-$6.  

Motordude Zydeco, May 25, 8:30 p.m. $10.  

Balkan Folkdance, May 26, 8 p.m. $7.  

Mark Karan and Jemimah Puddleduck, May 27, 9 p.m. $12-$16.  

Moh Alileche and the Dunes, May 28, 9 p.m. $10-$13.  

Stompy Jones, May 29, 9 p.m. $10-$13.  

Albany High School Jazz and Rhythm Bound R&B Bands, May 30, 7 p.m. $10-$15.  

1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. (510) 525-5054, www.ashkenaz.com.

 

BECKETT'S IRISH PUB  

Rhythm Doctors, May 21.  

Shark Alley Hobos, May 22.  

Trio of DooM, Amber-oh-Amber, May 26.  

The Deep, May 27.  

The P-PL, May 28.  

Jacques Ibula Band, May 29.  

Free. Shows at 10 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2271 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 647-1790, www.beckettsirishpub.com.

 

BLAKE'S ON TELEGRAPH  

Ten G Bob, Shake Me, May 21, 9 p.m. $10.  

The Golden Hour, Among the Living, May 22, 9 p.m. $10.  

Saint Vernon, Cold Grave, Savage Machine, Psychomatic, May 28, 9 p.m.  

$10.  

Audrye Sessions, Poor Bailey, Graham Patzner and the Help, Tenderloins, May 29, 9 p.m. $10-$12.  

City Walls, Fever Charm, Finish Ticket, Foolish Ways, May 30, 6:30 p.m.  

$8-$10.  

For ages 18 and older. Music begins at 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2367 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley. (510) 848-0886, www.blakesontelegraph.com.

 

FREIGHT AND SALVAGE  

"Freight Open Mic," Tuesdays. $4.50-$5.50.  

Kathy and Carol, May 21. $20.50-$21.50.  

Rick Di Dia and Aireene Espiritu, May 22. $18.50-$19.50.  

Greencards, May 23. $18.50-$19.50.  

West Coast Songwriters, May 24. $6.50-$7.50.  

"Bay Area 74th Reunion Abraham Lincoln Brigade" May 30, 2 p.m. $20.50-$21.50.  

Music starts at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 548-1761, www.freightandsalvage.org.

 

JAZZSCHOOL  

Dann Zinn Ensembles, May 21, 8 p.m.  

Steve Erquiaga Ensemble, May 22, 8 p.m.  

John Santos/David Belove Ensemble, May 23, 5:30 p.m.  

Michael Zilber Ensemble, May 23, 4:30 p.m.  

Randy Ingram Trio, May 29, 8 p.m. $15.  

Jazz Mafia's Birth of the Cool Tribute Concert, May 30, 4:30 p.m. $15-$18.  

Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 2087 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 845-5373, www.jazzschool.com.

 

JUPITER  

"Americana Unplugged," Sundays, 5 p.m. A weekly bluegrass and Americana series.  

"Jazzschool Tuesdays," Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Featuring the ensembles from the Berkeley Jazzschool. www.jazzschool.com. 

Dana Salzman Quartet, May 21, 8 p.m.  

CV One, May 22, 8 p.m.  

Claudia Russell, May 23, 5 p.m.  

Planet Loop, May 26, 8 p.m. Free.  

DJ fflood and Aebi Dee, May 27, 8 p.m.  

Josh Jones Trio, May 28, 8 p.m.  

Mo'Fone, May 29, 8 p.m.  

Saddlecats, May 30, 5 p.m.  

8 p.m. 2181 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 843-8277, www.jupiterbeer.com.

 

KIMBALL'S CARNIVAL  

"Monday Blues Legends Night," 8 p.m.-midnight. Enjoy live blues music every Monday night. Presented by the Bay Area Blues Society and Lothario Lotho Company. $5 donation. (510) 836-2227, www.bayareabluessociety.net. 

522 2nd St., Jack London Square, Oakland. < 

 

LA PENA CULTURAL CENTER  

Andres Alejandro, May 21, 8 p.m. $13-$15.  

Bang Data, May 22, 8:30 p.m. $10.  

3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 849-2568, www.lapena.org.

 

SHATTUCK DOWN LOW  

"It's the Joint," Thursdays, 9:30 p.m. Featuring DJs Headnodic, Raashan Ahmad and Friends. $5.  

"King of Kings," Doors 10 p.m. $6-$8.  

"Live Salsa," Wednesdays. An evening of dancing to the music of a live salsa band. Salsa dance lesson from 8:30-9:30 p.m. $5-$10.  

"Thirsty Thursdays," Thursday, 9 p.m. Featuring DJ Vickity Slick and Franky Fresh. Free.  

For ages 21 and older. 2284 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 548-1159, www.shattuckdownlow.com.

 

STARRY PLOUGH PUB  

The Starry Irish Music Session led by Shay Black, Sundays, 8 p.m. Sliding scale.  

For ages 21 and over unless otherwise noted. Sunday and Wednesday, 8 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 841-2082, www.starryploughpub.com.

 

UPTOWN NIGHTCLUB  

Black Widow Gothic Strip Review, May 21, 9 p.m. $10.  

Geographer, Silver Swans, Northern Key, May 22, 9 p.m. $8.  

Why I Hate, The Murkins, Farewell Typewriter, May 26, 9 p.m. Free.  

Original Sin Burlesque, May 28, 9 p.m. $10.  

1928 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. (510) 451-8100, www.uptownnightclub.com.

 

YOSHI'S  

The Jazz Crusaders featuring: Joe Sample, Wayne Henderson and Wilton Felder, through May 23, Thursday-Saturday, 8 and 10 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m. $35-$40.  

Ron Carter Trio with Mulgrew Miller and Russell Malone, May 24 through May 26, Monday-Wednesday, 8 and 10 p.m. $12-$20.  

Mezcla, May 27, 8 and 10 p.m. $12-$18.  

Benny Green Trio with Peter Washington and Kenny Washington, May 28 through May 30, Friday and Saturday, 8 and 10 p.m.; Sunday, 7 and 9 p.m. $16.  

Shows are Monday through Saturday, 8 and 10 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted. 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. (510) 238-9200, www.yoshis.com.<


Classical Music-East Bay Through May 30

Monday May 17, 2010 - 03:30:00 PM

BERKELEY CITY CLUB  

"Mozart Youth Camerata," May 30, 7 p.m. George Cleve conducts an all-Mozart program. $12-$20. (415) 627-9141. 

2315 Durant Ave., Berkeley. (510) 848-7800, www.berkeleycityclub.com.

 

CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE LIGHT  

"Choral Concert," May 29, 8 p.m. CSU East Bay Singers, Baker University Chambers Singers and organist Jonathan Dimmock perform works by Durufle and Britten. $5-$7. (510) 885-3167. 

Oakland Ave./Harrison St., Oakland. (510) 271-1928, www.ctlcathedral.org.

 

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH  

"From the Heart," May 23, 3:30 p.m. Soli Deo Gloria performs works by Durufle and Susa, Lyon, J. Simon and A. Simon. $20-$25.  

1700 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda. (510) 523-7200, www.christchurchalameda.org.

 

EL CERRITO COMMUNITY CENTER  

Mozart Youth Camerata, May 23, 1 p.m. Program features works by Mozart, conducted by George Cleve. $12-$20. (415) 627-9141. 

7007 Moeser Ln., El Cerrito. (510) 215-4370.< 

 

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF BERKELEY  

"Rossini: Petite Messe Solennelle," May 29, 8 p.m. Chora Nova performs. $10-$20.  

2345 Channing Way, Berkeley. (510) 848-3696, www.fccb.org.

 

GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH  

"Friday Morning Concert," May 28, 10:30 a.m. Pianist Louise Milota performs works by Blumenfeld, Poulenc, Debussy and Weber.  

2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. < 

 

HILLSIDE CLUB  

"Cavalleria Rusticana and Suor Angelica," May 22, 7:30 p.m. Program features works by Pietro Mascagni and Giacomo Puccini. $12-$17. (707) 864-5508. 

2286 Cedar St., Berkeley. < 

 

LAFAYETTE PUBLIC LIBRARY  

"Fantasy-Phantasies," May 22, 8 p.m. Program features works by Frank Bridge, Ralph Vaughn Williams, Charles Loeffler and Arnold Bax. $10-$30. (925) 284-7404. 

3491 Mt Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. (925) 283-3872, www.lafayettelib.com.

 

LAFAYETTE-ORINDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH  

"Go Lovely Rose," May 16 and May 22, May 16, 3 p.m.; May 22, 8 p.m. Program features works by Britten, Bay Area composer Stephen Richards, Morten Lauridsen, Eric Whitacre, Daniel Forrest, Eric Barnum and beloved folk songs. $7-$30. (510) 836-0789. 

Diablo Valley Masterworks Chorale and Orchestra, May 21, 8 p.m. Program features works by Faure and Part. $20-$25. (925) 687-4445. 

"Beethoven and Rodrigo 'Eroica' to 'Aranjuez'," May 22, 8 p.m. Pacific Chamber Symphony presents guitarist Paul Galbraith performing works by Rodrigo and Beethoven. $7-$30. (925) 284-7404. 

49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. < 

 

LAKE MERRITT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH  

"Songs Eternity: Musical Contemplations on Time and Space," May 22, 4 p.m. Voci Women's Vocal Ensemble performs works by Daniel Pinkhaam, Stephen Paulus, Gustav Holst, Alice Parker and Libby Larsen. $17-$20. (510) 531-8714. 

1330 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. < 

 

MUSIC SOURCES  

"Transfigured Bach," May 23, 5 p.m. Program features Gilbert Martinez's reconstructions of missing works. $15-$20. (510) 528-1685. 

1000 The Alameda at Marin, Berkeley. (510) 528-1685, www.musicsources.org/.< 

 

REGENT'S THEATRE  

"MasterGuild Series," May 23, 7 p.m. Program features works by Mozart, Schumann and Elgar.  

Holy Names University, 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. < 

 

SCOTTISH RITE CENTER  

"Spring Concert," May 23, 3 p.m. Brian Nies conducts Oakland Youth Orchestra in a program that features works by Zoufonoun and Dvorak.  

1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. < 

 

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF BERKELEY  

"Songs Eternity: Musical Contemplations on Time and Space," May 23, 4 p.m. Voci Women's Vocal Ensemble presents works by Holst, Pinkham, Paulus, Larsen and Parker. Jude Navari conducts. $17-$20. (510) 531-8714. 

One Lawson Road, Kensington. (510) 524-2912, www.uucb.org.<


Museums-East Bay Through May 30

Tuesday May 18, 2010 - 09:17:00 AM

 

 

AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM AND LIBRARY AT OAKLAND The Oakland Public Library's museum is designed to discover, preserve, interpret and share the cultural and historical experiences of African Americans in California and the West. In addition, a three-panel mural is on permanent display. 

Free. Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5:30 p.m. 659 14th St., Oakland. (510) 637-0200, www.oaklandlibrary.org.

 

ALAMEDA MUSEUM The museum offers permanent displays of Alameda history, the only rotating gallery showcasing local Alameda artists and student artwork, as well as souvenirs, books and videos about the rich history of the Island City. 

Free. Wednesday-Friday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 2324 Alameda Ave., Alameda. (510) 521-1233, www.alamedamuseum.org.

 

BADE MUSEUM AT THE PACIFIC SCHOOL OF RELIGION The museum's collections include the Tell en-Nasbeh Collection, consisting of artifacts excavated from Tell en-Nasbeh in Palestine in 1926 and 1935 by William Badh, and the Howell Bible Collection, featuring approximately 300 rare books (primarily Bibles) dating from the 15th through the 18th centuries. 

"Tell en-Nasbeh," This exhibit is the "heart and soul" of the Bade Museum. It displays a wealth of finds from the excavations at Tell en-Nasbeh, Palestine whose objects span from the Early Bronze Age (3100-2200 BC) through the Iron Age (1200-586 BC) and into the Roman and Hellenistic periods. Highlights of the exhibit include "Tools of the Trade" featuring real archaeological tools used by Badh and his team, an oil lamp typology, a Second Temple period (586 BC-70 AD) limestone ossuary, and a selection of painted Greek pottery.  

"William Frederic Bade: Theologian, Naturalist, and Archaeologist," This exhibit highlights one of PSR's premier educators and innovative scholars. The collection of material on display was chosen with the hopes of representing the truly dynamic and multifaceted character of William F. Badh. He was a family man, a dedicated teacher, a loving friend, and an innovative and passionate archaeologist.  

Free. Tuesday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Holbrook Hall, Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave., Berkeley. (510) 848-0528, www.bade.psr.edu/bade.< 

 

BERKELEY ART MUSEUM AND PACIFIC FILM ARCHIVE  

"French Film Posters from the BAM/PFA Collection," through May 31. Part of the Pacific Film Archive's collection of over eight thousand international film posters, these rare prints were bequeathed to BAM/PFA by the late Mel Novikoff, founder of San Francisco's first repertory cinema chain, Surf Theaters, which included the Surf, the Lumiere, and the Castro. Novikoff collected these posters during many trips to Europe, and for years they graced the lobbies of cinemas in the Surf chain. Now they can be enjoyed in the museum's Theater Gallery, where admission is free.  

"Thom Faulders: BAMscape," through Nov. 30. This commissioned work, a hybrid of sculpture, furniture, and stage, is the new centerpiece of Gallery B, BAM's expansive central atrium. It is part of a new vision of the gallery as a space for interaction, performance, and improvised experiences.  

"Nature into Action: Hans Hofmann," through June 30. This installation drawn from BAM's extensive Hans Hofmann collection reveals the relationship between nature as source and action as method in the great abstract painter's work.  

"James Buckhouse: Serg Riva," through May 31. Welcome to the world of Serg Riva, self-declared "aquatic couturier,'' enfant terrible, and man about town"-and sly fictive creation of artist James Buckhouse.  

"What's It All Mean: William T. Wiley in Retrospect," through July 18. This retrospective surveys the witty, idiosyncratic, and introspective work of William T. Wiley, a beloved Bay Area artist and "a national treasure'' (Wall Street Journal). Layered with ambiguous ideas and allusions, autobiographical narrative and sociopolitical commentary, Wiley's art is rich in self-deprecating humor and absurdist insight.  

"Perpetual and furious refrain / MATRIX 232," through Sept. 12. Exhibition features works by Brent Green.  

OPENING -- "No Right Angles: The 40th Annual University of California Berkeley Master of Fine Arts Graduate Exhibition," May 21 through June 20. Exhibition features work by UC Berkeley's graduating M.F.A. students.  

2626 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. < 

 

BLACKHAWK MUSEUM  

AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM -- The museum's permanent exhibition of internationally renowned automobiles dated from 1897 to the 1980s. The cars are displayed as works of art with room to walk completely around each car to admire the workmanship. On long-term loan from the Smithsonian Institution is a Long Steam Tricycle; an 1893-94 Duryea, the first Duryea built by the Duryea brothers; and a 1948 Tucker, number 39 of the 51 Tuckers built, which is a Model 48 "Torpedo'' four-door sedan.  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"International Automotive Treasures," An ever-changing exhibit featuring over 90 automobiles.  

"A Journey on Common Ground," An exhibit of moving photographs, video and art objects from around the world exploring the causes of disability and the efforts of the Wheelchair Foundation to provide a wheelchair for every person in need who cannot afford one.  

ONGOING EVENT --  

Free Public Tours, Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. Docent-led guided tours of the museum's exhibitions. 

$5-$8; free for children ages 6 and under. Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. (925) 736-2280, (925) 736-2277, www.blackhawkmuseum.org.

 

HAYWARD AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM The museum is located in a former post office and displays memorabilia of early Hayward and southern Alameda County. Some of the features include a restored 1923 Seagrave fire engine and a hand pumper from the Hayward Fire Department, founded in 1865; a Hayward Police Department exhibit; information on city founder William Hayward; and pictures of the old Hayward Hotel. The museum also alternates three exhibits per year, including a Christmas Toys exhibit and a 1950s lifestyle exhibit. 

EVENTS --  

50 cents-$1. Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 22701 Main St., Hayward. (510) 581-0223, www.haywardareahistory.org.

 

JUDAH L. MAGNES MUSEUM The museum's permanent collection includes objects of Jewish importance including ceremonial art, film and video, folk art and fine art, paintings, sculptures and prints by contemporary and historical artists. 

"Projections," Multimedia works from the museum's extensive collections of archival, documentary and experimental films. Located at 2911 Russell Street.  

SPECIAL EXHIBITS --  

$4-$6; free for children under age 12. Sunday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. CLOSED APRIL 3-4 AND 9-10; MAY 23-24 AND 28; JULY 4; SEPT. 3, 13 AND 27; OCT. 4; NOV. 22; DEC. 24-25 AND 31. 2911 Russell St., Berkeley. (510) 549-6950, www.magnes.org.

 

MEYERS HOUSE AND GARDEN MUSEUM The Meyers House, erected in 1897, is an example of Colonial Revival, an architectural style popular around the turn of the century. Designed by Henry H. Meyers,the house was built by his father, Jacob Meyers, at a cost of $4000.00. 

EXHIBITS --  

$3. Fourth Saturday of every month. 2021 Alameda Ave., Alameda. (510) 521-1247, www.alamedamuseum.org/meyers.html.< 

 

MUSEUM OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE VILLAGE A science museum with an African-American focus promoting science education and awareness for the underrepresented. The science village chronicles the technical achievements of people of African descent from ancient ties to present. There are computer classes at the Internet Cafi, science education activities and seminars. There is also a resource library with a collection of books, periodicals and videotapes. 

$4-$6. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, noon-6 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.-6 p.m. 630 20th St., Oakland. (510) 893-6426, www.ncalifblackengineers.org.

 

MUSEUM OF CHILDREN'S ART A museum of art for and by children, with activities for children to participate in making their own art.  

ART CAMPS -- Hands-on activities and engaging curriculum for children of different ages, led by professional artists and staff. $60 per day.  

CLASSES -- A Sunday series of classes for children ages 8 to 12, led by Mocha artists. Sundays, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  

OPEN STUDIOS -- Drop-in art play activities with new themes each week.  

"Big Studio." Guided art projects for children age 6 and older with a Mocha artist. Tuesday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. $5.  

"Little Studio." A hands-on experience that lets young artists age 18 months to 5 years see, touch and manipulate a variety of media. Children can get messy. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5.  

"Family Weekend Studios." Drop-in art activities for the whole family. All ages welcome. Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. $5 per child.  

FAMILY EXTRAVAGANZAS -- Special weekend workshops for the entire family.  

"Sunday Workshops with Illustrators," Sundays, 1 p.m. See the artwork and meet the artists who create children's book illustrations. Free. 

EVENTS --  

"Saturday Stories," 1 p.m. For children ages 2-5. Free. 

Free gallery admission. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 538 Ninth St., Oakland. (510) 465-8770, www.mocha.org.

 

OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Art a la Carte," Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m. Art docents offer a variety of specialized tours focusing on one aspect of the museum's permanent collection. Free with museum admission.  

"Online Museum," Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Explore the museum's collection on videodisks in the History Department Library.  

Docent Gallery Tours, Saturday and Sunday, 1:30 p.m. 

"Mini Okubo: Citizen 13660," through Aug. 1. Curated by Senior Curator of Art Karen Tsujimoto, this small exhibition of Okubo's poignant works on paper from the Museum's collection charts Okubo's odyssey.  

$5-$8; free for children ages 5 and under; free to all on the second Sunday of the mont Okubo's odyssey.  

$5-$8; free for children ages 5 and under; free to all on the second Sunday of the month. Special events are free with museum admission unless noted otherwise. Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; first Friday of the month, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 1000 Oak St., Oakland. (510) 238-2200, www.museumca.org.

 

PACIFIC PINBALL MUSEUM  

"Pinball Fantasies," through June 30. Exhibition features works by Shane Pickerill.  

1510 Webster St., Alameda. www.pacificpinball.org.

 

PARDEE HOME MUSEUM The historic Pardee Mansion, a three-story Italianate villa built in 1868, was home to three generations of the Pardee family who were instrumental in the civic and cultural development of California and Oakland. The home includes the house, grounds, water tower and barn. Reservations recommended. 

EVENTS --  

$5; free children ages 12 and under. House Tours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sundays by appointment. 672 11th St., Oakland. (510) 444-2187, www.pardeehome.org.

 

SAN LEANDRO HISTORY MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY The museum showcases local and regional history and serves as a centerpiece for community cultural activity. There are exhibits on Ohlone settlements, farms of early settlers, and contributions of Portuguese and other immigrants. There will also be exhibits of the city's agricultural past and the industrial development of the 19th century.  

ONGOING EXHIBIT --  

"Yema/Po Archeological Site at Lake Chabot," An exhibit highlighting artifacts uncovered from a work camp of Chinese laborers, featuring photomurals, cutouts and historical photographs. 

Free. Thursday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 320 West Estudillo Ave., San Leandro. (510) 577-3990, www.ci.sanleandro. ca.us/sllibrarymuseum.html.< 

 

SHADELANDS RANCH HISTORICAL MUSEUM Built by Walnut Creek pioneer Hiram Penniman, this 1903 redwood-framed house is a showcase for numerous historical artifacts, many of which belonged to the Pennimans. It also houses a rich archive of Contra Costa and Walnut Creek history in its collections of old newspapers, photographs and government records. 

EXHIBITS --  

$1-$3; free-children under age 6. Wednesday and Sunday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.; Closed in January. 2660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. (925) 935-7871, www.ci.walnut-creek.ca.us.< 

 

SMITH MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY AT CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, HAYWARD The museum houses significant collections of archaeological and ethnographic specimens from Africa, Asia and North America and small collections from Central and South America. The museum offers opportunities and materials for student research and internships in archaeology and ethnology. 

SPECIAL EXHIBITS --  

Free. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Meiklejohn Hall, Fourth Floor, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward. (510) 885-3104, (510) 885-7414, www.isis.csuhayward.edu/cesmith/acesmith.html.< 

 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY HEARST MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"Native California Cultures," This is an exhibit of some 500 artifacts from the museum's California collections, the largest and most comprehensive collections in the world devoted to California Indian cultures. The exhibit includes a section about Ishi, the famous Indian who lived and worked with the museum, Yana tribal baskets and a 17-foot Yurok canoe carved from a single redwood.  

"Recent Acquisitions," The collection includes Yoruba masks and carvings from Africa, early-20th-century Taiwanese hand puppets, textiles from the Americas and 19th- and 20th-century Tibetan artifacts.  

"From the Maker's Hand: Selections from the Permanent Collection," This exhibit explores human ingenuity in the living and historical cultures of China, Africa, Egypt, Peru, North America and the Meditteranean. 

$1-$4; free for children ages 12 and under; free to all on Thursdays. Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m. 103 Kroeber Hall, Bancroft Way and College Avenue, Berkeley. (510) 643-7648, www.hearstmuseum.berkeley.edu.

 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY MUSEUM OF PALEONTOLOGY  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"Tyrannosaurus Rex," A 20-foot-tall, 40-foot-long replica of the fearsome dinosaur. The replica is made from casts of bones of the most complete T. Rex skeleton yet excavated. When unearthed in Montana, the bones were all lying in place with only a small piece of the tailbone missing.  

"Pteranodon," A suspended skeleton of a flying reptile with a wingspan of 22 to 23 feet. The Pteranodon lived at the same time as the dinosaurs.  

"California Fossils Exhibit," An exhibit of some of the fossils that have been excavated in California. 

Free. During semester sessions, hours generally are: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.-10 p.m. Hours vary during summer and holidays. Lobby, 1101 Valley Life Sciences Building, #4780, University of California, Berkeley. (510) 642-1821, www.ucmp.berkeley.edu.

 

USS HORNET MUSEUM Come aboard this World War II aircraft carrier that has been converted into a floating museum. The Hornet, launched in 1943, is 899 feet long and 27 stories high. During World War II she was never hit by an enemy strike or plane and holds the Navy record for number of enemy planes shot down in a week. In 1969 the Hornet recovered the Apollo 11 space capsule containing the first men to walk on the moon, and later recovered Apollo 12. In 1991 the Hornet was designated a National Historic Landmark and is now docked at the same pier she sailed from in 1944. Today, visitors can tour the massive ship, view World War II-era warplanes and experience a simulated aircraft launch from the carrier's deck. Exhibits are being added on an ongoing basis. Allow two to three hours for a visit. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb steep stairs or ladders. Dress in layers as the ship can be cold. Arrive no later than 2 p.m. to sign up for the engine room and other docent-led tours. Children under age 12 are not allowed in the Engine Room or the Combat Information Center.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Limited Access Day," Due to ship maintenance, tours of the navigation bridge and the engine room are not available. Tuesdays.  

"Flight Deck Fun," A former Landing Signal Officer will show children how to bring in a fighter plane for a landing on the deck then let them try the signals themselves. Times vary. Free with regular Museum admission.  

"Protestant Divine Services," Hornet chaplain John Berger conducts church services aboard The Hornet in the Wardroom Lounge. Everyone is welcome and refreshments are served immediately following the service. Sundays, 11 a.m. 

SPECIAL EVENTS -- Closed on New Year's Day. 

"Living Ship Day," Experience an aircraft carrier in action, with simulated flight operations as aircraft are lifted to the flight deck and placed in launch position. Some former crewmembers will be on hand. 

"Flashlight Tour," Receive a special tour of areas aboard the ship that have not yet been opened to the public or that have limited access during the day. 

"Family Day," Discounted admission for families of four with a further discount for additional family members. Access to some of the areas may be limited due to ship maintenance. Every Tuesday. $20 for family of four; $5 for each additional family member. 

$6-$14; free children age 4 and under with a paying adult. Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pier 3 (enter on Atlantic Avenue), Alameda Point, Alameda. (510) 521-8448, www.uss-hornet.org.<


Galleries-East Bay Through May 30

Tuesday May 18, 2010 - 09:02:00 AM

 

AMES GALLERY  

"New Show," through June 30. Exhibition features drawings by Deborah Barrett, Ted Gordon, Dwight Mackintosh, Inez Nathaniel Walker, AG Rizzoli, Barry Simons and others.  

2661 Cedar St., Berkeley. (510) 845-4949, www.amesgallery.com.

 

ANNA EDWARDS GALLERY  

CLOSING -- "Poverty, Protest and Resistance," through June 30. Exhibition features photographs of political struggle and global poverty by Francisco Dominguez and Robert Terrell.  

237 E. 14th St., San Leandro. (510) 636-1721, www.annaedwards.com.

 

BEDFORD GALLERY  

"Dutch Impressionism and Beyond," through June 27. Exhibition features selections from the Beekhuis Collection.  

$3 general; $2 youth ages 12 through 17; free children ages 12 and under; free Tuesdays. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. (925) 295-1417, www.bedfordgallery.org.

 

FLOAT  

"Enigma," through June 12. Exhibition features works by James Barnes MacKinnon and Dave Meeker, as well as sonic textures and ambient grooves by dj fflood.  

Free. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; by appointment. 1091 Calcot Place, Unit 116, Oakland. (510) 535-1702, www.thefloatcenter.com.

 

GARAGE GALLERY  

OPENING -- "Collages," May 22 through June 6. Exhibition features works by Susan Jokelson.  

3110 Wheeler St., Berkeley. (510) 549-2896, www.berkeleyoutlet.com.

 

GIORGI GALLERY  

"The Portrait Show," through June 4. Exhibition features works by Nina Katz, Gage Opdenbrouw, Brett Armory, Beth Grossman, Craig Upson, David Molesky, Nicholas Coley, Ian Nitta, Rae Douglass, Ryan Blackman and Grey Dey.  

Free. Wednesday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 2911 Claremont Ave., Berkeley. (510) 848-1228, www.giorgigallery.com.

 

HALL OF PIONEERS GALLERY  

"Oakland Chinatown Pioneers," Twelve showcases, each focusing on historic leaders and personalities of the community.  

Free. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Chinese Garden Building, 275 Seventh St., Oakland. (510) 530-4590.< 

 

HEARST ART GALLERY AT SAINT MARY'S COLLEGE OF CALIFORNIA  

"Andy Warhol's Quick Pix and Pop Icons," through June 20. Exhibition features original Poloraid photographs from the Andy Warhol Foundation's Photographic Legacy Program.  

$3. Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 1928 Saint Mary's Road, Moraga. (925) 631-4379, www.gallery.stmarys-ca.edu.< 

 

JOYCE GORDON GALLERY  

"Cross Roads," through June 28. Collaborative exhibition features works by Chukes and Ruth Tunstall Grant.  

Free. Wednesday-Friday, noon-7 p.m.; Saturday, noon-4 p.m.; Monday by appointment. 406 14th St., Oakland. www.joycegordongallery.com.

 

PHOTOLAB  

"Loud and Fast: 15 Years of Punk Rock Performances," through June 5. Exhibition features black and white photographs by Larry Wolfley.  

2235 5th St., Berkeley. (510) 644-1400, www.photolabratory.com.

 

TRAYWICK CONTEMPORARY  

"The Oblivion Before the Beginning," through June 26. Exhibition features works by Diana Guerrero-Macia.  

895 Colusa Ave., Berkeley. (510) 527-1214.<


Classical Music-San Francisco Through May 30

Tuesday May 18, 2010 - 08:57:00 AM

"TEA TIME CONCERT AT ALAMO SQUARE," -- May 23. Karsten Windt Music Presentation performs works by Dvorak and Mozart in a private San Francisco home. Visit website for RSVP details. 

$35.4:30 p.m.(415) 867-9416, www.musicpresentation.com.

 

CALVARY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH  

San Francisco Academy Orchestra, May 30, 4 p.m. Program includes works by Sibelius, Arend and Mozart. $10-$20.  

2515 Fillmore St., San Francisco. (415) 346-3832, www.calvarypresbyterian.org.

 

DAVIES SYMPHONY HALL  

San Francisco Symphony, through May 23, May 19-21, 8 p.m.; May 23, 2 p.m. Program features works by Ravel and Stravinsky. Michael Tilson Thomas conducts. $15-$130.  

San Francisco Symphony, May 27 through May 29, 8 p.m. Program features works by Robin Holloway, Mozart and Schumann. Michael Tilson Thomas conducts. $15-$130.  

201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. (415) 864-6000, www.sfsymphony.org.

 

GRACE CATHEDRAL  

"Piazza del Popolo," May 21, 6 p.m. Program features Real Vocal String Quartet with Jeremy Kittel. $100. (415) 869-7813. 

Free unless otherwise noted. 1100 California St., San Francisco. (415) 749-6355, www.gracecathedral.org.

 

HERBST THEATRE  

"Earplay 25: Ports and Portals," May 24, 7:30 p.m. Earplay performs a program including works by Wayne Peterson, Tolga Yayalar, Jorge Liderman and Hyo-shin Na. $10-$20. (415) 392-4400. 

401 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. (415) 392-4400, www.cityboxoffice.com.

 

LEGION OF HONOR MUSEUM DOCENT TOUR PROGRAMS -- Tours of the permanent collections and special exhibitions are offered Tuesday through Sunday. Non-English language tours (Italian, French, Spanish and Russian) are available on different Saturdays of the month at 11:30 a.m. Free with regular museum admission. (415) 750-3638.  

ONGOING CHILDREN'S PROGRAM --  

"Doing and Viewing Art," For ages 7 to 12. Docent-led tours of current exhibitions are followed by studio workshops taught by professional artists/teachers. Students learn about art by seeing and making it. Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to noon; call to confirm class. Free with museum admission. (415) 750-3658. 

ORGAN CONCERTS -- 4 p.m. A weekly concert of organ music on the Legion's restored 1924 Skinner organ. Saturday and Sunday in the Rodin Gallery. Free with museum admission. (415) 750-3624. 

"Rinaldo," May 22, 2 p.m. San Francisco Pocket Opera presents this concertstyle Handel in Italian. $20-$34. www.pocketopera.org. 

$6-$10; free for children ages 12 and under; free for all visitors on Tuesdays. Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Lincoln Park, 34th Avenue and Clement Street, San Francisco. (415) 750-3600, (415) 750-3636, www.thinker.org.

 

MISSION DOLORES Take a self-guided tour of the historic mission. Originally titled Mission San Francisco de Assisi, Mission Dolores is one of a chain of missions in California begun by Father Junipero Serra in 1776. The mission chain, a day's walk apart, stretches from San Diego to San Rafael. Mission Dolores was built in 1776. 

"Free Concert," May 22, 8 p.m. Celebrate the beauty of San Francisco with this nondenominational concert of original sacred music. Free.  

$2-$3; $5 additional for Audio Tour. Daily, May 1-Oct. 31: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; November 1-April 30: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Good Friday: 9 a.m.-12noon, Easter Sunday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 3321 16th St., San Francisco. (415) 621-8203, www.missiondolores.org.

 

NOE VALLEY MINISTRY  

"Thomas Glenn, Tenor and Jack Perla, Piano," May 23, 4 p.m. Program features works by local composer Jack Perla and more. $40. www.nvcm.org. 

1021 Sanchez St., San Francisco. (415) 454-5238, www.noevalleymusicseries.com.

 

SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC  

"Beethoven's 'Eroica' and Rodrigo's 'Aranjuez'," May 24, 8-10 p.m. Pacific Chamber Symphony presents guitarist Paul Galbraith in concert. $7-$35. (800) 838-3006. 

$15 to $20 unless otherwise noted. Hellman Hall, 50 Oak St., San Francisco. (415) 864-7326, www.sfcm.edu.

 

SAN FRANCISCO PARLOR OPERA  

"W.A. Mozart's Don Giovanni," through May 22, May 15, 20, 22, 7 p.m. SF Parlor Opera presents a modern day adaptation of Mozart's opera, set in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. $55. (415) 235-9178. 

1652 Hayes St., San Francisco. (425) 235-9178, www.sfparloropera.org.

 

ST. MARK'S LUTHERAN CHURCH  

"Women's Experience of War," May 23, 7:30 p.m. San Francisco's Girls Chorus performs selections from "Songs of Survival'' written by women interned in the South Pacific during World War II, as well as traditional folk ballads, popular songs and more. $18-$25. (415) 392-4400. 

1111 O'Farrell St., San Francisco. (415) 928-7770, www.stmarks-sf.org.< 

 

ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL  

"Music From Around the World," May 30, 3:30 p.m. Triskela Celtic Harp Trio and Bay Area Youth Harp Ensemble present music from the British Isles. $10. (510) 548-3326, www.multiculturalmusicfellowship.org. 

$5 suggested donation. 1111 Gough St., San Francisco. (415) 567-2020, www.stmarycathedralsf.org.<


Stage-San Francisco Through May 30

Tuesday May 18, 2010 - 09:32:00 AM

AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATER  

CLOSING -- "Round and Round the Garden," by Alan Ayckbourn, through May 23. Librarian Norman channels Casanova in his fervent attempts to seduce his two sisters-in-law, as well as his estranged wife during a weekend family gathering.  

Geary Theater, 415 Geary St., San Francisco. (415) 749-2228, www.actsf. org.< 

 

BATS IMPROV THEATRE  

"BATS Improv," through May 29, Friday, 8 p.m. BATS presents themed improv theater nights. $17-$20.  

All shows at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Bayfront Theatre, Building B, Third Floor, Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, San Francisco. (415) 474-8935, www.improv.org.

 

BEACH BLANKET BABYLON This long-running musical follows Snow White as she sings and dances her way around the world in search of her prince. Along the way she encounters many of the personalities in today's headlines, including Nancy Pelosi, Condoleezza Rice, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Harry Potter, Tiger Woods, Oprah Winfrey, Britney Spears, Dianne Feinstein, Barbara Boxer, Hillary Clinton, George and Laura Bush, Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart, Tom Cruise, Angelina, characters from Brokeback Mountain and Paris Hilton. Persons under 21 are not admitted to evening performances, but are welcome to Sunday matinees. 

"Steve Silver's Beach Blanket Babylon," Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.  

$25-$78. Club Fugazi, 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd. (formerly Green Street), San Francisco. (415) 421-4222, www.beachblanketbabylon.com.

 

CHANCELLOR HOTEL UNION SQUARE  

"Eccentrics of San Francisco's Barbary Coast," Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. Audiences gather for a 90-minute show abounding with local anecdotes and lore presented by captivating and consummate conjurers and tale-tellers. $30.  

433 Powell St., San Francisco. (877) 784-6835, www.chancellorhotel.com.

 

CLIMATE THEATRE  

"The Clown Cabaret at the Climate," First Monday of the month, 7 and 9 p.m. Hailed as San Francisco's hottest ticket in clowning, this show blends rising stars with seasoned professionals on the Climate Theater's intimate stage. $10-$15.  

285 Ninth St., Second Floor, San Francisco. www.climatetheater.com.

 

COWELL THEATER AT FORT MASON CENTER  

"The Good-for-Nothing Lover," May 28 through May 29, Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 4 p.m. Play presents a unique blend of shadow theatre, poetry reading, movement theatre and live music, inspired by a folk love song from the Ming Dynasty. $16-$25.  

Buchanan Street and Marina Boulevard, San Francisco. (415) 345-7575, www.fortmason.org.

 

CURRAN THEATRE  

"In the Heights," through June 13, Tuesday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, 2 p.m.; May 16, 7:30 p.m. Hear the story about the bonds that develop in a vibrant, tight-knit community at the top of the island of Manhattan. $30-$99.  

445 Geary St., San Francisco. (415) 512-7770, www.shnsf.com or www.bestofbroadway-sf.com.< 

 

CUTTING BALL THEATER  

"'Bone to Pick' and 'Diadem'," May 21 through June 20. Eugene Chan's "Bone to Pick'' reimagines the myth of Ariadne, Theseus and the Minotaur in a postmodern exploration of love, war and complicity. "Diadem,'' also by Chan, is a romantic retelling of the earlier parts of Ariadne's myth.  

The EXIT Stage Left, 156 Eddy St., San Francisco. (415) 419-3584, www.cuttingball.com.

 

EUREKA THEATRE  

CLOSING -- "First in the Jerome Kern Celebration," through May 24, Wednesday, 7 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 6 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. 42nd Street Moon presents a giddy romp that takes the old "barn musical'' plot and turns it on its head. $38-$44.  

215 Jackson St., San Francisco. (415) 255-8207, (415) 978-2787, www.42ndstmoon.org/42newweb/finding/eureka.htm or www.ticketweb.com/.< 

 

FORT MASON CENTER  

"The Solitary," May 21 through May 23, Friday, 9 p.m.; Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 4 and 6:30 p.m. Al Khareef Theatre Troupe presents the story of a political prisoner in solitary confinement and his relationship with his gaoler -- the only person with whom he has any personal contact. $20-$25.  

Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, San Francisco. www.fortmason.org.

 

THE JEWISH THEATER SAN FRANCISCO  

EXTENDED -- "Andy Warhol: Good for the Jews?" by Josh Kornbluth, through June 20, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m. This one-man performance examines the legacy of Andy Warhol and the ten Jewish luminaries he painted. $15-$45.  

470 Florida St., San Francisco. (415) 292-1233, www.tjt-sf.org.< 

 

KORET AUDITORIUM AT THE DE YOUNG MUSEUM  

"Super Hero Moves and Recycled Grooves," May 21 through May 23, May 14, 6:30 p.m.; May 21, 11 a.m. Professional actors perform short plays by a group of fifth grade students from Starr King Elementary School.  

50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, de Young Museum, San Francisco. www.thinker.org.

 

THE MARSH  

"The Mock Cafe," Stand-up comedy performances. Saturday, 10 p.m. $7.  

"The Monday Night Marsh," An ongoing series of works-in-progress. Monday, 8 p.m. $7.  

EXTENDED -- "The Real Americans," by Dan Hoyle, through May 30, Thursday and Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m. Fleeing the liberal bubble of San Francisco and his hipster friends, Hoyle spent 100 days traveling through small-town America in search of some tough country wisdom and a way to bridge America's urban/rural divide. $15-$35.  

CLOSING -- "Geezer," by Geoff Hoyle, through May 23, Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 p.m.; May 9, 8 p.m. Hoyle reminisces of his youth in England and young manhood in America. $20-$35.  

1062 Valencia St., San Francisco. (415) 826-5750, www.themarsh.org.

 

NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE CENTER  

"Proud and Bothered," through June 26, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Gomez, a professional Gay Pride MC takes the walk of shame in this comedic tell-all. $22-$34.  

25 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. (415) 861-8972, www.nctcsf.org.

 

NOH SPACE  

"The Breath of Life," by David Hare, May 21 through June 6, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. Two women dumped by the same man meet on the Isle of Wight. $18-$25.  

2840 Mariposa St., San Francisco. < 

 

OFF-MARKET THEATER  

"ShortLived 3.0," through June 26, Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. The largest audience-judged playwrighting competetion in the nation returns with experienced playwrights, unknown up-and-comers and local, independent theater companies. $20. www.pianofight.com. 

CLOSING -- "City Solo," through May 23, Sunday, 7 p.m. Program features four short pieces, written and performed by the solo artists themselves, including Monica Bhatangar, Susan Ito, Kathy Jetnil-Kijner, Sarah Weidman and Nicole Maxali. $15.  

965 Mission St., San Francisco. < 

 

ORPHEUM THEATRE  

CLOSING -- "Wicked," Tuesday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m.; Oct. 11 and Dec. 27, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 27, 2 p.m.; Dec. 21 and 28, 8 p.m. "Wicked'' is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. "Wicked'' tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. $30-$99.  

1192 Market St., San Francisco. (415) 512-7770, www.shnsf.com.

 

SAN FRANCISCO COMEDY COLLEGE CLUBHOUSE (800) 838-3006, www.clubhousecomedy.com.  

"Naked Comedy," A comedy showcase featuring some of the best comedians in San Francisco. BYOB for 21 and over. Saturdays, 9 p.m. $10. 

"Hump Day Comedy," Host Rich Stimbra and a variety of stand-up comics will get you over the Wednesday work hump. BYOB for 21 and over. Wednesday, 8 p.m. $5. 

414 Mason St., Suite 705, San Francisco. (415) 921-2051, www.sfcomedycollege.com.

 

SHELTON THEATER  

"Shopping! The Musical," by Morris Bobrow, A quick-paced musical about those obsessed with buying things. Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m. $27-$29. www.shoppingthemusical.com. 

Big City Improv, Friday, 10 p.m. $20. (510) 595-5597, www.bigcityimprov.com. 

533 Sutter St., San Francisco. (415) 433-1227, www.sheltontheater.com or www.sheltontheater.com.

 

STAGE WERX THEATRE  

"Solo Sundays," May 23, 7 p.m. Featuring "Lady Parts,'' written and performed by Martha Rynberg and "A Widow's To-Do List,'' written and performed by Ericka Lutz. $10.  

533 Sutter Street, San Francisco. < 


Updated: Opera Double Bill at the Hillside Club on Saturday

By Ken Bullock
Wednesday May 19, 2010 - 07:38:00 PM

A single mother, atoning for her sins in a convent; the justice of countryfolk over adultery…not the stuff of Baroque or Romantic opera, but very much of the verismo style, stories from real life. True to its company name, Verismo Opera will stage two of that style's shorter masterworks, Puccini's Suor Angelica and Cavelleria Rusticana, by Pietro Mascagni, this Saturday night at 7:30 at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar. 

Though times have changed, the astringent telling of the stories has not been dulled, giving them as much punch as the high-flown passions of earlier operatic styles. 

As the setting sun turns the water of the convent fountain golden, one of three evenings a year it happens, the nuns recall the death of Suor Bianca Rosa and pour the water on her tomb, while telling each other their desires. Suor Angelica claims to have none--and the others gossip that she awaits word from her wealthy family, who--they say--sent her to the convent as punishment, seven years before. 

Berkeley soprano Eliza O’Malley who will sing the title role, says that “Suor Angelica is one of the few operas that have multiple roles for women and consequently gets to show more female personality types than most operas. In fact all of the characters are women. Some docile, some rebellious, some passionate, some flatfooted, some wretchedly mean etc... It's popular with small companies and universities for this reason.” 

And as for the music: 

"It sounds like a cliche," she said, "But this is some of the most beautiful music I've ever sung." 

Frederick Winthrop, Verismo Opera's founder, will sing the lead in Cavelleria Rusticana, which he also stage directed. Winthrop is a veteran of both the U.S. Air Force and the San Francisco Opera chorus, as well as of lead roles in many opera productions in the Bay Area. 

" Cavelleria Rusticana means Rustic Chivalry," said Winthrop. "It has all the true-to-life affairs, real verismo stuff: an affair with one woman, who gets pregnant and is dropped by her lover, who takes up with a married woman, whose husband's gone off to the wars." When he returns, tipped off by the jilted woman, he catches his wife on the arm of the duplicitous lover outside of church after Easter services.. There's the offer of rapprochement, a drink of wine; an insult, an embrace and biting the ear as a challenge--and finally, the duel offstage. "You hear men muttering, an outcry, ‘who's lost?”, a crescendo--and the end!" Winthrop concluded. 

Three and a half years old, Verismo Opera "provides operas to outlying communities, taking opera to audiences who don't go alone to San Francisco for it," Winthrop commented. "We also have shows for the general public, like at the Hillside Club, which is just right for us, and as with La Traviata in February, the Mira Theater Guild has us at the Bay Terrace Theatre in Vallejo [for this program on June 4.] We also perform in Santa Rosa, Pacifica and Vacaville.". 

"We're basically opera roadies," Winthrop said. “We were thrilled by the SRO crowd in February at the Hillside Club. We hope to continue to perform there. I've been in opera for almost 40 years--I majored in psychology in college, but always was a singer and made a career of it. It gave me a different perspective on life. My great praise goes to the people I work with, too many names to write down." 

The conductor is Corey Wilkins, with musical accompaniment by the Dolanc String Quartet. MaryAnne Stanislaw staged Suor Angelica

The company's last Hillside club appearance with La Traviata played to a full house, so it might wise to call 510-644-2967 (CORRECTED ) or 707-864-5508 for advance tickets, or to buy them from Brown Paper Tickets online or by phone around the clock at 800-838-3006.  

Tickets are also available at the door.General Admission is $17 with special rates of $12 for seniors, students and Hillside Club members.


If You're Gonna Veg With the Tube, Watch the Good Stuff

By John A. McMullen II
Saturday May 15, 2010 - 05:45:00 PM

Lots of folks don’t watch TV. It’s a waste of time. But if you are tempted by this addictive diversion, let me alert you that we are living in a Golden Age of Phil Farnsworth’s one-eyed monster. 

I owe my friend some money from ten years ago so every year I give him a grand. This last year he said, “Hey, I haven’t bought you a Xmas or Birthday present in a couple of years. I want you to take the money you give me and this year buy yourself a big-screen TV. There’s a special on at Costco. This HD-TV the only item I’ve ever bought that I haven’t had a trace of ‘buyers’ remorse’ about.” 

So, God help me, I did. 50” inches of pure, high-definition joy. E and I used to go to a movie once a week. Now we pick and choose. Cable is more expensive and it eats my time, but I can work out on my cross-trainer while I view, which works out well. 

These disclaimers having been proclaimed, let me direct you to “the good stuff” if you‘re looking for diversion and are willing the risk of acquiring the jones. The big night of the week seems to be Tuesday (see below). 

Besides, if you don’t invest a little time to catch up on pop culture, how will you know what everybody’s buzzing about, and you’ll never get the answers on trivia quizzes. 

NOTE: The dirty secret is that you can watch full episodes of most of these shows on your computer for free (links below). 

GLEE—a unique and wacky sitcom musical that brings Broadway musical theatre stars to TV. A high school glee club with out-of-this-world voices from “teenagers” who are going through all the typical hormonal crises of sex and popularity; lots of competition with each other, other glees clubs, and the cheerleading squad led by Jane Lynch, the wackiest and most popular character actor out there. The series won the 2010 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series—Musical or Comedy, and received three additional nominations for Best Actress (Lea Michele: veteran of child stardom on Broadway: Les Miz, Ragtime, Fiddler, with a drama desk award for Spring’s Awakening), Best Actor (Matthew Morrison: star of Broadway’s Footloose, Rocky Horror, Hairspray, and a Tony nomination for Light in the Piazza), and Best Supporting Actress (Jane Lynch). Its first season also earned a Peabody Award. Kristin Chenoweth—the first Glinda from Wicked who just opened on Broadway in Promises, Promises—is a repeat guest. You don’t have to follow every week—you can just drop in to check out the gay, paraplegic, overweight, pregnant, and football-playing candid characters all with daunting musical theatre talent—the perfect antidote to American Idol. FOX Tues 9 pm 

Watch full episodes at http://www.fox.com/glee/ 

PARENTHOOD—Familiar stars such as Peter Krause from Six Feet Under, Lauren Graham from Gilmore Girls, Craig T. Nelson from Coach, and Bonnie Bedeli lead Braverman clan in braving the storm of any extended family. Set right here in Berkeley, they deal with multi-racial families, Asperger’s, gifted children, overachieving, and the sex drives of teenager with parents who knew what they did at that age. It’s charming; catch one and relax. NBC Tues 9 pm 

Watch full episodes at http://www.nbc.com/parenthood/video/categories/season-1/1205879/ 

JUSTIFIED—If you watched Deadwood, the show about the way the West really was which was noted for its nineteenth century eloquence and liberal profanity, you will recognize Timothy Olyphant who played the Sheriff. Here he’s a US Marshall who is transferred back to his hometown in Harlan County Kentucky. I’m from Appalachia, and the upsurge in rural crime (meth, terrorism, gangs, with not a mention of bootlegging) rang true to me; it’s hairy in the hinterland these days. If I were being snappy and witty, I’d call if Mayberry RFD meets Deadwood, but it really brings you a trip to a world you don’t get elsewhere. FX (different from FOX) Tue 10 pm 

Watch full episodes at http://vod.fxnetworks.com/fod/play.php?sh=justified 

LAW & ORDER: Criminal Intent—with Jeff Goldblum, who took over for the intriguing and unappreciated character Vincent D’Onofrio created. Goldblum is a movie star, and on TV, he just shines. Worth tuning in just to see his charming antics and acting talent. USA Tue 10 pm 

IN PLAIN SIGHT—Another off-the-beaten-path US Marshall drama, character-driven by a Mary McCormack whose banter with her egg-head partner is worthy of your time. They run the Witness Protection in Albuquerque NM, and have a great supporting cast including Lesley Ann Warren as her alcoholic mom, with lots of well-known stars appearing as witnesses-on-the-run. 

USA Wed 10 pm (also shown at 7 pm)  

Watch full episodes at http://www.usanetwork.com/series/inplainsight/video/fullep/ 

UNITED STATES OF TARA—There are two Cable “dramedies” about women who are in deep over their head. Nice change from the white guy always being the one on the short end of the stick. Toni Collette is an Academy Award-nominated Australian actress best known for her roles in The Sixth Sense and Little Miss Sunshine. She plays the multiple roles of the multiple-personality afflicted Tara, and her transformations are a tour de force performance. John Corbett from Northern Exposure, Sex in the City, and My Fat Greek Wedding plays her long-suffering husband. As in most all of these recommendations, the supporting cast never fails. Toni Collette won the 2009 Primetime Emmy Award and 2010 Golden Globe Award for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role, while the opening title sequence also won an Emmy. It’s the brainchild of Diablo Cody who wrote Juno. 

Watch a one-minute cut of episodes at http://www.sho.com/site/tara/video.do 

 

NURSE JACKIE—After 30 years are a waitress taking any part she could, Edie Falco hit the big-time as Tony Soprano’s wife Carmella, and it was only a matter of time before she got her own show. An addicted ER RN with a gorgeous husband and two kids, she works in a downtown NYC small hospital and has an erstwhile, self-serving and increasingly complicated affair with a pharmacist. It’s set at the just-closed real-life St. Vincent’s Hospital in Greenwich Village (I used to go there for care when I was trying to be an actor). SHOWTIME Mon 10 pm 

Watch samples (this is Special Pay Cable, so nothing for free) at http://www.sho.com/site/nursejackie/video.do 

TRUE BLOOD— Ever notice that TV staples are Doctors & Nurses, Cops, and Lawyers? It’s because their jobs are life and death. Well, now there are others who have power over life and death. Gory good fun in Bayou Country led by the youngest Oscar-winner Anna Paquin as now-famous. In the first season, it won a Golden Globe and an Emmy. From Charlaine Harris's popular Southern Vampire Mystery books, its creator is Alan Ball of Six Feet Under fame. It’s gotten complicated lately, bringing in Maenads and Werewolves. I’d recommend NetFlicking the first season over a long weekend with some good red wine. HBO Sun 9 pm, starting up again on June 13. You can get “a taste” of a mini-sode at http://www.hbo.com/true-blood?cmpid=ABC210 

SONS OF ANARCHY—about a California MC gang who protects a small town ironically named Charming from the vagaries of outside crime in exchange for a place to live and do their business—the all-American small entrepreneurial endeavor of automatic weapons. It’s part Hamlet, part “The Scottish Play,” and an interesting look inside living outside the law in an organized fashion. The clannish ties give an insight into what life must have been like back in the day. Trips they take the Oakland and San Leandro will draw you in, with Beauty and the Beast and Hellboy star Ron Perlman, Married with Children’s Katey Sagal in an exceptional continuing performance as the Queen, and the charismatic Charles Hunnam as Jax, the heir-apparent with doubts. If you’re not a small(er) screen aficionado, you probably don’t know that a lot of new shows run about 13 episodes twice a year and take lots of good time to produce their good work. Thus, this one is on break now, so you have time to catch up on the Legend of Sam Crowe FX in September 2010. 

Watch full episodes at http://vod.fxnetworks.com/fod/play.php?sh=soa 

THREE MORE I LOVE… 

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS—hooked on it; for my money the best drama on TV, spawned from the movie with Billy Bob Thornton, from the novel by Buzz Bissinger. Texas football teenagers and the Coach’s family, but it’s thrilling to watch these great young actors love, drink, and catch the game-winning pass. New season starts on NBC this Friday (imagine that) 8pm 

Watch full episodes at http://www.nbc.com/friday-night-lights/video/ 

TWO AND HALF MEN—Still the top sit-com. Like the great old actor quipped on his death-bed when ask if facing mortality was difficult, “Dying is easy; comedy is hard.” Rumor that star Charlie Sheen is retiring. Reruns at 7 pm weekdays at Channel 44 KBCWD, new episodes NBC Mon 9 pm 

Watch clips at http://www.cbs.com/video/?showname=primetime/two_and_a_half_men#video 

BIG LOVE—I love it when I get sucked into a story the point where I’m seeing craziness through another person’s eyes and buying it as normal. About a fictional fundamentalist Mormon family that practices polygamy secretly while integrating as civic exemplars. Bill Pullman, Jeannie Tripplehorn, Chloe Sevigny (Emmy for best supporting actress), Ginnifer Goodwin, and Amanda Seyfried are all film actors who join to present this novel drama that plays out like a very long novel. The engrossing plots make it another recommended for Netflicking to catch up. HBO, on break right now. 

 

John A .McMullen II usually reviews theatre. Comments to EyeFromTheAisle@gmail.com


From Sidewalks to Art Studios

By Andrew David King
Tuesday May 18, 2010 - 08:55:00 AM

When Sean Chapin found himself addicted to drugs and homeless at the age of 25, he knew something had to change. 

“I realized it was time to quit struggling and fight for my life and my community,” he said. 

Now, the 41-year-old is a veteran of the urban art scene and a community activist who goes by the motto, “Lifestyle lived as an art.” Not only has Chapin been commissioned by companies and organizations, including CSU East Bay, to create “graffiti walls”—plywood structures adorned with spray-can art—for public viewing, but he also founded Off the Wall Outreach, a program through which he mentors local teens. 


Last month, Chapin hosted an art workshop at Weekes Park Library in Hayward aimed at involving teens in productive art instead of vandalism, or “tagging,” and offering lessons in artistic techniques. Chapin’s ability to speak openly about his own struggles lent a positive air to the event and allows a special connection with the teens he mentors, some of which were present. 

Blanca Marin, 19, who goes by the street name “Maze,” met Chapin while working on a mural at the Hayward BART station several years ago. Marin, who was born in Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico, and moved to Oakland when she was a toddler, became interested in urban art in the tenth grade. 


“At first, I was trying to do immature and crazy stuff, like tagging in buses with markers,” she said. “Then I moved up to train tracks and the streets, with spray cans.” 


When the consequences of street life took a toll on her fellow taggers, however, Marin reconsidered her priorities.  


“Some of my friends got in trouble with the Five-O, and that was when I realized I can’t be doing things like this anymore,” she said. “I just stopped doing all that, and decided to make more urban art instead of graffiti.” 


Marin, who took classes in urban art at Berkeley City College, is quick to differentiate between the two. For Chapin, as well, the distinction is important—though both terms are used in reference to spray-can art, “graffiti” more often connotes simple vandalism, something both Chapin and Marin strive to move past. 


Chapin’s Christian faith also plays a major role in his art—in the hip-hop world, he goes by the moniker Sac/Red, short for “Sean Andrew Chapman/Righteously Enduring Deliverance.” A strong believer in the capabilities of youth, Chapin’s goal is to prompt creative teens into developing portfolios and pursuing professional careers as artists, instead of buying into the glamorous dangers of street life.  


“Enthusiasm is sometimes really hard to come by with poor kids,” he said. “They’re over-influenced by TV and radio, and need mentors. But if you give kids a chance to express themselves, they’ll take them. I want to give them the opportunities they don’t have.”
If the teens at Chapin’s workshop were any indicator, he’s succeeding.  


“I tried to look into other things, like nursing, but it wasn’t for me,” Marin said. “Art has been my life since I was a little girl.” She is currently working to save money to attend art school for animation.' 


At present, Chapin involved in a number of projects for urban youth, and aims to foster communication between local nonprofits and outreach groups by becoming a liaison between them.  


To get involved with Off the Wall outreach or find out more about Chapin’s outreach programs, contact him directly at http://7thfloorenterprize.shutterfly.com/.


Nagano Back for Berkeley Academie

By Ken Bullock
Tuesday May 18, 2010 - 12:22:00 PM

Kent Nagano returns as conductor emeritus to lead the Berkeley Akademie Thursday night, May 20, at 8, in Mozart's Quintet in E flat for Piano and Winds, Jorg Widmann's Versuch uber die Fuge (Attempt at a Fugue) and Mozart's Concerto in A for Clarinet, at the First Congregational Church, Channing Way at Dana. 

Widmann will be present--and will play clarinet with the chamber ensemble for the Beethoven quintet, and be featured as soloist in the Mozart concerto. 

Nagano spoke of Widmann, who teaches composition and clarinet in Freiburg, as "one ofthe most visible composers in Europe, and a brilliant clarinetist," as a direct link to the tradition of Mozart and Beethoven, who were instrumentalists (and virtuosos) as well as composers, teachers and capellmeisters besides, in the days before music directors and conductors. "The only place you can do this typeof exploration is in akademies"Nagano said. 

A composition of Widmann's was featured at last year's Akademie performance; Berkeley Symphony performed his Con Brio in March, conducted by Joana Carneiro. 

Tickets: $20-$60. 841-2800; www.berkeleysymphony.org


Last Two Weeks of the Berkeley Arts Festival

By Bonnie Hughes
Monday May 17, 2010 - 10:30:00 PM

The Berkeley Arts Festival will run through the month of May at 2121 Allston Way in downtown Berkeley. 

Listed below are the concerts scheduled for the last two weeks. For detailed descriptions go to www.berkeleyartsfestival.com and select the date on the calendar. 

Unless otherwise noted starting time is 8 pm and suggested donation is $10--no one turned away. 

Wednesday May 19,Multimedia Excursions with Dean Santomieri joined by Julie Oxendale. 

Friday May 21, Noon--Pianist Jerry Kuderna's Friday Lunch Concert  

Friday May 21, John Hanes and Steve Adams 

Tuesday May 25, Ted Lachrymose Brinkley's Hornblower Cruise 

Wednesday May 26, Sarah Wilson Quintet 

Thursday, May 27,The D"Armous Boone Experience 

Friday May 28, Noon Pianist Jerry Kuderna's Friday Lunch Concert  

Friday May 28, Phillip Greenlief's The Lost Trio 

Sunday May 30,. 7 PMDan Plonsey and Daniel Popsicle 

Monday May 31, Arnie Passman's "Take Back Gandhi's 9/11." 

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT www.berkeleyartsfestival.comfor program information

 


Wild Neighbors: Ghosts of the Alaka’i

By Joe Eaton
Thursday May 13, 2010 - 09:30:00 AM
Crossroads in the Alaka'i Swamp, Kaua'i.
Ron Sullivan
Crossroads in the Alaka'i Swamp, Kaua'i.

One last Kaua’i column and I’ll have gotten it out of my system.

Early on in our visit we spent a day in the Alaka’i Swamp, in the highlands of western Kaua’i. Not strictly a swamp in hydrological terms, it’s more of a bog where rainwater has collected above an impermeable layer of lava. It even has bog plants like the carnivorous sundew, the same species that grows in the Arctic tundra, probably transported to the island on the plumage of a migrating Pacific golden plover. There are patches of stunted ‘ohi’a trees, similar to the pygmy forests of the Mendocino coast. 

This is one of the last remnants of the old Hawai’i. Most of the plants are native, despite the incursion of kahili ginger: canoe-quality koa trees; ancient ‘ohi’as that have fallen over but refused to die, upholstered with ferns, vines, and lilies; lobelia relatives with arcuate flowers. In the absence of grazing mammals, some have dropped their defenses, resulting in stingless nettles, clawless catbriers, and mintless mints. 

That’s true of the birds—the real draw for us—as well. We saw and heard plenty of exotics, including incongruous northern cardinals, white-rumped shamas, and Japanese white-eyes. But in the Alakai they were outnumbered by natives, mostly Hawai’ian honeycreepers or drepanids—“dreps” for short. Drepanids are one of the great exemplars of how evolution works in an island setting. “They make Darwin’s finches look sick!” said a tour guide on the Big Island a few years ago.  

From a common ancestor something like a North American goldfinch or housefinch, the honeycreepers diversified into at least 51 species, each with its own anatomical and behavioral specializations. The drepanid tool kit includes long curved bills for probing flowers, crossed mandibles for prying open buds, heavy parrotlike bills for crushing seeds.  

Unfortunately, most of these remarkable birds have gone extinct: 

a first wave when the Polynesians cleared the lowland forests for agriculture, then, within the last century, a second driven by mosquito-borne diseases like avian malaria. By the time the government got around to conferring endangered status on some of the survivors, they had been reduced to remnant populations at altitudes too high for mosquitoes. Other groups of birds, like the native thrushes related to the Townsend’s solitaire and the extraordinary o’os, met the same fate. With reduced numbers, they were vulnerable to environmental catastrophes. Several Kaua’i species have not been seen since Hurricane Iniki. 

A few are hanging on in the Alaka’i. Knowing our chances of finding these birds on our own were virtually nil, we hired a local guide, David Kuhn, to take us there. Access involved a tortuous dirt road that our rental PT Cruiser could never have managed, then a hike along a boardwalk trail. Kuhn, a sound recordist who captures the voices of humpback whales as will as songbirds soundshawaiian.com , took us to the junction of the Alaka’i Swamp and Pihea trails, then down a side path to an opening in the forest. One by one, the birds checked in. 

We were visited by Kaua’i ‘elepaios, active and personable Old World flycatchers that reminded us strongly of wrens with their cocked tails and loud chatter. A pair of crimson ‘apapane flew by, and a scarlet i’iwi stopped to nectar at one of those curved lobelioid blossoms, its long orange bill a perfect fit for the shape of the flower. Then came a bright yellow male ‘anianiau, a small, short-billed bird something like a Wilson’s warbler, and a greenish Kaua’i ‘amakihi with a longer, more curved beak. The ‘elepaio, ‘anianiau, and ‘amakihi were endemic Kaua’i species; the ‘elepaio and ‘amakihi have close relatives on other islands, but the ‘anianiau is truly one of a kind. 

Another target eluded us, though. We may have heard the upslurred chirp of the ‘akeke’e, a goldfinch-like bird with a black mask, but none ever showed itself. Kuhn said the species had been getting harder to find lately, which sounded ominous. He staked out a couple of spots they were known to frequent, but no ‘akeke’e. Two other birds, a honeycreeper and a thrush, would have required a serious slog into the depths of the Alaka’i. 

We couldn’t complain, though, about the best day’s birding we’d had in years. It was a privilege to see as much as we saw—a window into a vanishing world.  

The birds of the Alaka’i are still in grave jeopardy. Although the place is mosquito-free for now, global warming is expected to expand the insects’ habitable zone. Some native songbirds may be evolving resistance to the malaria pathogen, but others may not be able to adapt fast enough.  

I picked up a two-CD set of Hawai’ian bird calls in preparation for the trip. It includes the only recordings of a Kaua’i ‘o’o, a lone male in the Alaka’i, singing his heart out. It seems inevitable that some of the species we saw there will sooner or later join him in the chorus of ghosts.


Highlights-East Bay Through May 30

Tuesday May 18, 2010 - 09:10:00 AM

 

 

BOOKS INC., ALAMEDA  

Dan Fost, May 28, 7:30 p.m. The author talks about "Giants Past and Present.''  

Free. Readings at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 1344 Park St., Alameda. (510) 522-2226, www.booksinc.net.

 

BOOKS INC., BERKELEY  

Sam Barry and Kathi Goldmark, May 23, 6 p.m. The author talks about "Write that Book Already! The Tough Love You Need to Get Published Now.''  

Jeremy Loving, May 25, 7 p.m. The author talks about "Mark Twain: The Adventures of Samuel L. Clemens.''  

1760 4th Street, Berkeley. (510) 525-7777, www.booksinc.net.

 

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF BERKELEY  

Sebastian Junger, May 24, 7:30 p.m. The author talks about "WAR: As Soldiers Really Live It.'' $10-$12.  

2345 Channing Way, Berkeley. (510) 848-3696, www.fccb.org.

 

MRS. DALLOWAY'S  

Michael Chabon, May 21, 7:30 p.m. The author talks about "Manhood for Amateurs.''  

2904 College Avenue, Berkeley. (510) 704-8222.< 

 

YOSHI'S  

Benny Green Trio with Peter Washington and Kenny Washington, May 28 through May 30, Friday and Saturday, 8 and 10 p.m.; Sunday, 7 and 9 p.m. $16.  

Shows are Monday through Saturday, 8 and 10 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted. 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. (510) 238-9200, www.yoshis.com.<


Outdoors-East Bay Through May 30

Tuesday May 18, 2010 - 09:22:00 AM

ARDENWOOD HISTORIC FARM Ardenwood farm is a working farm that dates back to the time of the Patterson Ranch, a 19th-century estate with a mansion and Victorian Gardens. Today, the farm still practices farming techniques from the 1870s. Unless otherwise noted, programs are free with regular admission.  

ONGOING PROGRAMS --  

"Blacksmithing," Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Watch a blacksmith turn iron into useful tools.  

"Horse-Drawn Train," Thursday, Friday and Sunday. A 20-minute ride departs from Ardenwood Station and Deer Park.  

"Animal Feeding," Thursday-Sunday, 3-4 p.m. Help slop the hogs, check the henhouse for eggs and bring hay to the livestock.  

"Victorian Flower Arranging," Thursday, 10:15-11:30 a.m. Watch as Ardenwood docents create floral works of art for display in the Patterson House.  

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Potato Harvesting," Learn the spectacular history of this New World native as you dig with your spade and help find the spuds. 

"Horse-Drawn Train Rides," Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 10:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Meet Jigs or Tucker the Belgian Draft horses that pull Ardenwood's train. Check the daily schedule and meet the train at Ardenwood Station or Deer Park. 

"Country Kitchen Cookin'," Sundays, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy the flavor of the past with treats cooked on Ardenwood's wood burning stove. Sample food grown on the farm and discover the history of your favorite oldtime snacks. 

"Animal Feeding," Thursday-Sunday, 3 p.m. Feed the pigs, check for eggs and bring hay to the livestock. 

"Toddler Time," Tuesdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Bring the tiny tots out for an exciting morning at the farm. Meet and learn all about a new animal friend through stories, chores and fun.  

Lambs, Kids and Piglets -- Oh My,'' May 8 and May 29, 11 a.m-noon. Learn farm animal facts on a morning stroll. 

"Hay Hoisting," May 9 and May 30, 2:30-3 p.m. Make rope and help hoist hay bales. 

"Tending the Vegetable Garden," May 22, Noon-1 p.m. Lend a hand planting seeds and turning compost. 

"Fuzzy Wuzzy," May 22, 1 p.m. Design your own fuzzy farm friend with real wool. 

"Lovely Ladies Croquet," May 23, 1-3 p.m. Enjoy a croquet game. 

"Herb Butter is the Best," May 23, 1 p.m. Shake up heavy whipping cream to make fresh farm butter. 

"Corn Mosaic Magic," May 23, 2 p.m. Select colorful pieces of Indian corn to place in your own unique design. 

"Quit Buggin' Those Bugs," May 23, Noon. Learn insect biology and replicate them through a craft. 

"Superbly Stained Glass Windows," May 29, Noon. Make handcrafted faux glass window art. 

"Wiggly Pigglies," May 30, 1-2 p.m. Meet the farm pigs. 

"Farm Jokes and Riddles," May 30, Noon-1 p.m. Tickle your funny bone with jokes and riddles. 

"Backyard Chicken Keeping," May 30, 2-3 p.m. Meet the farm's hens and find out what it takes to keep your own flock. 

"Gorgeous Goats," May 30, 11 a.m.-noon. Lend a hand grooming goats. 

"Bone Diggin' Fossils," May 30, 1-2 p.m. Replicate fossils with recycled coffee grounds. 

$1-$5; free children under age 4. Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont. (510) 796-0199, (510) 796-0663, www.ebparks.org.

 

BAY AREA RAIL TRAILS A network of trails converted from unused railway corridors and developed by the Rails to Trails Conservancy.  

BLACK DIAMOND MINES REGIONAL PRESERVE RAILROAD BED TRAIL -- This easy one mile long rail trail on Mount Diablo leads to many historic sites within the preserve. Suitable for walking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Accessible year round but may be muddy during the rainy season. Enter from the Park Entrance Station parking lot on the East side of Somersville Road, Antioch.  

IRON HORSE REGIONAL TRAIL -- The paved trail has grown into a 23 mile path between Concord and San Ramon with a link into Dublin. The trail runs from the north end of Monument Boulevard at Mohr Lane, east to Interstate 680, in Concord through Walnut Creek to just south of Village Green Park in San Ramon. It will eventually extend from Suisun Bay to Pleasanton and has been nominated as a Community Millennium Trail under the U.S. Millennium Trails program. A smooth shaded trail suitable for walkers, cyclists, skaters and strollers. It is also wheelchair accessible. Difficulty: easy to moderate in small chunks; hard if taken as a whole.  

LAFAYETTE/MORAGA REGIONAL TRAIL -- A 7.65 mile paved trail converted from the Sacramento Northern Rail line. This 20-year old trail goes along Las Trampas Creek and parallels St. Mary's Road. Suitable for walkers, equestrians, and cyclists. Runs from Olympic Boulevard and Pleasant Hill Road in Lafayette to Moraga. The trail can be used year round.  

OHLONE GREENWAY -- A 3.75-mile paved trail converted from the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railway. Suitable for walkers, strollers and skaters. It is also wheelchair accessible. The trail runs under elevated BART tracks from Conlon and Key Streets in El Cerrito to Virginia and Acton Streets in Berkeley.  

SHEPHERD CANYON TRAIL -- An easy 3-mile paved trail converted from the Sacramento Northern Rail Line. The tree-lined trail is gently sloping and generally follows Shepherd Canyon Road. Suitable for walkers and cyclists. It is also wheelchair accessible. Begins in Montclair Village behind McCaulou's Department Store on Medau Place and ends at Paso Robles Drive, Oakland. Useable year round. 

Free. (415) 397-2220, www.traillink.com.

 

BAY AREA RIDGE TRAIL The Bay Area Ridge Trail, when completed, will be a 400-mile regional trail system that will form a loop around the entire San Francisco Bay region, linking 75 public parks and open spaces to thousands of people and hundreds of communities. Hikes on portions of the trail are available through the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. Call for meeting sites.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

ALAMEDA COUNTY -- "Lake Chabot Bike Rides." These rides are for strong beginners and intermediates to build skill, strength and endurance at a non hammerhead pace. No one will be dropped. Reservations required. Distance: 14 miles. Elevation gain: 1,000 feet. Difficulty: beginner to intermediate. Pace: moderate. Meeting place: Lake Chabot Road at the main entrance to the park. Thursday, 6:15 a.m. (510) 468-3582.  

ALAMEDA-CONTRA COSTA COUNTY -- "Tilden and Wildcat Bike Rides." A vigorous ride through Tilden and Wildcat Canyon regional parks. Reservations required. Distance: 15 miles. Elevation gain: 2,000 feet. Difficulty: intermediate. Pace: fast. Meeting place: in front of the North Berkeley BART Station. Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. (510) 849-9650. 

Free. (415) 561-2595, www.ridgetrail.org.

 

BICYCLE TRAILS COUNCIL OF THE EAST BAY The Council sponsors trail work days, Youth Bike Adventure Rides, and Group Rides as well as Mountain Bike Basics classes which cover training and handling skills.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Weekly Wednesday Ride at Lake Chabot," Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. A 13- to 20-mile ride exploring the trails around Lake Chabot, with 1,500 to 2,000 feet of climbing. Meet at 6:15 p.m. in the parking lot across from the public safety offices at Lake Chabot in Castro Valley. Reservations requested. (510) 727-0613.  

"Weekly Wednesday 'Outer' East Bay Ride," Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. Ride some of the outer East Bay parks each week, such as Wild Cat Canyon, Briones, Mount Diablo, Tilden and Joaquin Miller-Redwood. Meeting place and ride location vary. Reservations required. (510) 888-9757. 

Free. (510) 466-5123, www.btceb.org.

 

BLACK DIAMOND MINES REGIONAL PRESERVE Originally the home of several Native American tribes, white men began coal mining in the area in the 1860s. The preserve today features old mines and displays of the history of the area. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"The Pittsburg Mine Trail Omnibus," May 22, 10 a.m.-noon. Get the complete story on a trail that blends the best of Black Diamond's natural and cultural history. 

Free unless otherwise noted; $5 seasonal parking fee on weekends. Daily, 8 a.m. to dusk Somersville Road, about five miles south of state Highway 4, Antioch. Information: (925) 757-2620, Tickets: (925) 555-1212, www.ebparks.org.

 

BOTANIC GARDEN  

EVENTS --  

Intersection of Wildcat Canyon Road and South Park Drive, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley. www.ebparks.org.

 

COYOTE HILLS REGIONAL PARK The park is located on the shoreline of Fremont Bay and features rich wetland areas as well as Ohlone Indian shellmound sites. Hiking in the park allows scenic views of San Francisco Bay and southern Alameda County. The 12-mile Alameda Creek Trail runs from the Bay east to the mouth of Niles Canyon and features an equestrian trail as well as a bicycle trail; hikers are welcome on both. The park conducts naturalist programs and has a visitor center with a nature store and Ohlone, natural history and wildlife exhibits.  

SPECIAL EVENTS -- Free unless otherwise noted.  

"Ohlone Cultural Activities," May 23 and May 30, 10:30 a.m.-noon.; 1-4 p.m. Find out how Ohlone peoples balanced human needs with that of the land through demonstrations of cultural skills past to present. 

"Nectar Garden Open House," May 23, 1-3 p.m. Gain ideas and inspiration to create a home or neighborhood nectar garden. 

"Open House," May 29, Noon-4 p.m. Learn about butterflies and more. 

Free unless otherwise noted; A parking fee may be charged. Registration required for events. April through October: daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; October through April, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., unless otherwise posted. 8000 Patterson Pass Road, Fremont. (510) 636-1684, (510) 795-9385, www.ebparks.org.

 

CRAB COVE VISITOR CENTER At Crab Cove, you can see live underwater creatures and go into the San Francisco Bay from land. You can also travel back in time to Alameda's part. The goal is to increase understanding of the environmental importance of San Francisco Bay and the ocean ecosystem. Crab Cove's Indoor Aquarium and Exhibit Lab is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the East Bay. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Sea Squirts," 10-11:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Discover the wonders of nature with your little one. Registration is required. $6-$8. 

"Sea Siblings," Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Explore the natural world and take part in a theme related craft. Designed for the 3-5 year old learner. Registration is required. $4. (888) 327-2757. 

"Catch of the Day," Sundays, 2-3 p.m. Drop by to find out more about the Bay and its wildlife through guided exploration and hands-on fun. 

"Origami Whale Hats," May 23, 1-2 p.m. Turn a simple piece of paper into a fancy blue whale and more. 

Free unless otherwise noted; parking fee may be charged. 1252 McKay Ave., Alameda. (510) 521-6887, www.ebparks.org.

 

DUNSMUIR HOUSE AND GARDENS HISTORIC ESTATE Nestled in the Oakland hills, the 50-acre Dunsmuir House and Gardens estate includes the 37-room Neoclassical Revival Dunsmuir Mansion, built by coal and lumber baron Alexander Dunsmuir for his bride. Restored outbuildings set amid landscaped gardens surround the mansion.  

ESTATE GROUNDS -- Self-Guided Grounds Tours are available yearround. The 50 acres of gardens and grounds at the mansion are open to the public for walking Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Booklets and maps of the grounds are available at the Dinkelspiel House. Free.  

GUIDED TOURS -- Docent-led tours are available on the first Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. (except for July) and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. $5 adults, $4 seniors and juniors (11-16), children 11 and under free. 

Dunsmuir House and Gardens, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland. (510) 615-5555, www.dunsmuir.org.

 

FIFTY-PLUS ADVENTURE WALKS AND RUNS The walks and runs are 3-mile round-trips, lasting about one hour on the trail. All levels of ability are welcome. The walks are brisk, however, and may include some uphill terrain. Events are held rain or shine and on all holidays except Christmas and the Fifty-Plus Annual Fitness Weekend. Call for dates, times and details. 

Free. (650) 323-6160, www.50plus.org.

 

FOREST HOME FARMS The 16-acre former farm of the Boone family is now a municipal historic park in San Ramon. It is located at the base of the East Bay Hills and is divided into two parts by Oak Creek. The Boone House is a 22-room Dutch colonial that has been remodeled several times since it was built in 1900. Also on the property are a barn built in the period from 1850 to 1860; the Victorian-style David Glass House, dating from the late 1860s to early 1870s; a storage structure for farm equipment and automobiles; and a walnut processing plant. 

Free unless otherwise noted. Public tours available by appointment. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. (925) 973-3281, www.ci.sanramon. ca.us/parks/boone.htm.< 

 

GARIN AND DRY CREEK PIONEER REGIONAL PARKS Independent nature study is encouraged here, and guided interpretive programs are available through the Coyote Hills Regional Park Visitor Center in Fremont. The Garin Barn Visitor Center is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In late summer, the Garin Apple Festival celebrates Garin's apple orchards. The parks also allow picnicking, hiking, horseback riding and fishing. 

Free; $5 parking fee per vehicle; $2 per dog. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. 1320 Garin Ave., Hayward. (510) 562-PARK, (510) 795-9385, www.ebparks.org/parks/garin.htm.< 

 

GREENBELT ALLIANCE OUTINGS A series of hikes, bike rides and events sponsored by Greenbelt Alliance, the Bay Area's non-profit land conservation and urban planning organization. Call for meeting places. Reservations required for all trips.  

ALAMEDA COUNTY --  

"Self-Guided Urban Outing: Berkeley," This interactive smart growth walking tour of central Berkeley examines some of the exciting projects that help alleviate the housing shortage in the city as well as amenities important to making a livable community. The walk, which includes the GAIA Cultural Center, Allston Oak Court, The Berkeley Bike Station, University Terrace and Strawberry Creek Park, takes between an hour-and-ahalf to two hours at a leisurely pace. Download the itinerary which gives specific directions by entering www.greeenbelt.org and clicking on "get involved'' and then "urban outings.'' Drop down and click on Berkeley. Free. 

Free unless otherwise noted. (415) 255-3233, www.greenbelt.org.

 

HAYWARD REGIONAL SHORELINE With 1,682 acres of salt, fresh and brackish water marshes, seasonal wetlands and the approximately three-mile San Lorenzo Trail, the Hayward Shoreline restoration project is one of the largest of its kind on the West Coast, comprising 400 acres of marshland. Part of the East Bay Regional Park District. 

EVENTS --  

Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. 3010 W. Winton Ave., Hayward. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org/parks/hayward.htm.< 

 

HAYWARD SHORELINE INTERPRETIVE CENTER Perched on stilts above a salt marsh, the Center offers an introduction to the San Francisco Bay-Estuary. It features exhibits, programs and activities designed to inspire a sense of appreciation, respect and stewardship for the Bay, its inhabitants and the services they provide. The Habitat Room offers a preview of what may be seen outside. The 80-gallon Bay Tank contains some of the fish that live in the Bay's open waters, and the Channel Tank represents habitats formed by the maze of sloughs and creeks that snake through the marsh. The main room of the Center features rotating exhibits about area history, plants and wildlife. Part of the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District.  

ONGOING EXHIBIT --  

"Exploring Nature," An exhibit of Shawn Gould's illustrations featuring images of the natural world. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Weekend Weed Warriors," 1-4 p.m. Help the shoreline to eliminate the non-native plants that threaten its diversity. Ages 12 and older. Registration required. 

"Nature Detectives," 11 a.m.-noon. An introduction and exploration of the world of Black-Crowned Night-Herons. Ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Registration required. 

"Waterfowl of the Freshwater Marsh," 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Join an expert birder to go "behind the gates'' to areas of the marsh that are not open to the public. 

"Coyote Hills Bird Hike," May 22, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Spot a variety of birds in different habitats.  

"Cyotaku -- Fish Printing," May 23, 1 p.m. Make a bandana using an ancient Japanese technique with rubber fish.  

"Leopard Shark Feeding Frenzy," May 30, 2-3 p.m.  

Free. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward. (510) 670-7270, www.hard.dst.ca.us/hayshore.html.< 

 

JOHN MUIR NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE The site preserves the 1882 Muir House, a 17-room Victorian mansion where naturalist John Muir lived from 1890 to his death in 1914. It was here that Muir wrote about preserving America's wilderness and helped create the national parks idea for the United States. The house is situated on a hill overlooking the City of Martinez and surrounded by nine acres of vineyards and orchards. Take a self-guided tour of this well-known Scottish naturalist's home. Also part of the site is the historic Martinez Adobe and Mount Wanda.  

ONGOING EVENT --  

Public Tours of the John Muir House, Begin with an eight-minute park film and then take the tour. The film runs every 15 minutes throughout the day. Wednesday through Friday, 2 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.  

MOUNT WANDA -- The mountain consists of 325 acres of grass and oak woodland historically owned by the Muir family. It offers a nature trail and several fire trails for hiking. Open daily, sunrise to sunset. 

JOHN MUIR HOUSE, Tours of this well-known Scottish naturalist's home are available. The house, built in 1882, is a 14-room Victorian home situated on a hill overlooking the city of Martinez and surrounded by nine acres of vineyards and orchards. It was here that Muir wrote about preserving America's wilderness and helped create the national parks idea for the United States. The park also includes the historic Vicente Martinez Adobe, built in 1849. An eight-minute film about Muir and the site is shown every 15 minutes throughout the day at the Visitor Center. Self guided tours of the Muir home, the surrounding orchards, and the Martinez Adobe: Wednesday-Sunday, 1 a.m.-5 p.m. Public tours or the first floor of the Muir home: Wednesday-Friday, 2 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations not required except for large groups.  

$3 general; free children ages 16 and under. Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 4202 Alhambra Ave., Martinez. (925) 228-8860, www.nps.gov/jomu.< 

 

KENNEDY GROVE REGIONAL RECREATION AREA The 95-acre park contains picnic areas, horseshoe pits and volleyball courts among its grove of aromatic eucalyptus trees.  

$5 parking; $2 per dog except guide/service dogs Through September: daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante. (510) 223-7840, www.ebparks.org.

 

LAKE CHABOT REGIONAL PARK The 315-acre lake offers year-round recreation. Services include canoe and boat rental, horseshoe pits, hiking, bicycling, picnicking and seasonal tours aboard the Chabot Queen. For boat rentals, call (510) 247-2526. 

Free unless noted otherwise; $5 parking; $2 per dog except guide/service dogs. Daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 17930 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.

 

LINDSAY WILDLIFE MUSEUM This is the oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation center in America, taking in 6,000 injured and orphaned animals yearly and returning 40 percent of them to the wild. The museum offers a wide range of educational programs using non-releasable wild animals to teach children and adults respect for the balance of nature. The museum includes a state-of-the art wildlife hospital which features a permanent exhibit, titled "Living with Nature,'' which houses 75 non-releasable wild animals in learning environments; a 5,000-square-foot Wildlife Hospital complete with treatment rooms, intensive care, quarantine and laboratory facilities; a 1-acre Nature Garden featuring the region's native landscaping and wildlife; and an "Especially For Children'' exhibit.  

WILDLIFE HOSPITAL -- September-March: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hospital is open daily including holidays to receive injured and orphaned animals. There is no charge for treatment of native wild animals and there are no public viewing areas in the hospital. 

EXHIBITS --  

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

$5-$7; free children under age 2. Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. (925) 935-1978, www.wildlife-museum.org.< 

 

LIVERMORE AREA RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT  

4444 East Ave., Livermore. (925) 373-5700, www.larpd.dst.ca.us/.< 

 

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. SHORELINE This 1,200-acre park situated near Oakland International Airport offers picnic areas with barbecues and a boat launch ramp. Swimming is not allowed. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Grove, a group of trees surrounding a grassy glade, is at the intersection of Doolittle Drive and Swan Way. The area also includes the 50-acre Arrowhead Marsh (part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network) and a Roger Berry sculpture titled "Duplex Cone,'' which traces the summer and winter solstice paths of the sun through the sky. 

Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless otherwise posted Doolittle Drive and Swan Way, Oakland. (510) 562-PARK, Picnic reservations: (510) 636-1684, www.ebayparks.org.

 

MILLER-KNOX REGIONAL SHORELINE A 295-acre shoreline picnic area with a secluded cove and swimming beach, and a hilltop offering panoramic views of the north Bay Area. 

Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless otherwise posted. 900 Dornan Dr., Richmond. (510) 562-PARK, Picnic Reservations: (510) 636-1684, www.ebparks.org.

 

MOUNT DIABLO STATE PARK The 3,849-foot summit of Mount Diablo offers great views of the Bay Area and an extensive trail system. Visitors to the park can hike, bike, ride on horseback and camp. Notable park attractions include: The Fire Interpretive Trail, Rock City, Boy Scout Rocks and Sentinel Rock, Fossil Ridge, Deer Flat, Mitchell Canyon Staging Area, Diablo Valley Overlook, the Summit Visitor Center (open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), the Art Gallery, the Observation Deck and the Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center. 

Free. $6 per vehicle park-entrance fee; $5 for seniors. Daily, 8 a.m. to sunset. Mount Diablo Scenic Boulevard, from the Diablo Road exit off Interstate Highway 680, Danville. (925) 837-2525, www.mdia.org or www.parks.ca.gov.

 

OAKLAND ZOO The zoo includes a Children's Petting Zoo, the Skyride, a miniature train, a carousel, picnic grounds and a gift shop as well as the animals in site specific exhibits, which allow them to roam freely. Included are "The African Savanna,'' with its two huge mixed-animal aviaries and 11 African Savanna exhibits; the Mahali Pa Tembo (Place of the Elephant), with giraffes, chimpanzees and more than 330 other animals from around the world; "Simba Pori,'' Swahili for "Lion Country,'' a spacious 1.5-acre habitat offering both a savanna and woodland setting for African lions; "Footprints from the Past,'' an anthropology exhibit showcasing four million years of human evolution and an actual "footpath'' of the first hominids to emerge from the African savanna; "Sun Bear Exhibit,'' a stateof-the-art space the zoo has developed for its two sun bears; and Siamang Island, a state-of-the-art, barrier-free area that emulates the gibbons' native tropical rain forest habitat. Also see the Malayan Fruit Bats from the Lubee Bat Conservancy in Florida that are now roosting in trees at the zoo. In addition there are special exhibits and events monthly.  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"Valley Children's Zoo," The three-acre attraction offers a completely interactive experience for both children and adults. The exhibits include lemurs, giant fruit bats, otters, reptiles, insects and more. Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

"Endangered Species," An exhibit of photographs about the most endangered animals on the Earth and what can be done to save them. At the Education Center. Open daily during zoo hours. ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Valley Children's Zoo," Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The three-acre attraction will offer a completely interactive experience for both children and adults. The exhibits include lemurs, giant fruit bats, otters, reptiles, insects and more. Free with regular Zoo admission.  

"Wildlife Theater," Saturday, 11:45 a.m.; Sunday, 1:45 p.m. On Saturday mornings listen to a story and meet a live animal. On Sunday afternoon meet live animals and learn cool facts about them. Meet in the Lobby of the Zoo's Maddie's Center for Science and Environmental Education. Free with regular Zoo admission. (510) 632-9525, ext. 142. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

$7.50-11; free children under age 2; $6 parking fee. Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Knowland Park, 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland. (510) 632-9525, www.oaklandzoo.org.

 

PLEASANTON RIDGE REGIONAL PARK This 3,163-acre parkland is on the oak-covered ridge overlooking Pleasanton and the Livermore Valley from the west. A multi-purpose trail system accommodates hikers, equestrians and bicyclists. 

Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Foothill Road, Pleasanton. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.

 

POINT PINOLE REGIONAL SHORELINE The 2,315-acre parkland bordering Pinole, Richmond and San Pablo offers views of Mount Tamalpais, the Marin shoreline and San Pablo Bay. There are trails through meadows and woods, and along the bluffs and beaches of San Pablo Bay. Visitors can hike, ride bikes or take the park's shuttle bus to reach the 1,250-foot fishing pier at Point Pinole. 

$5 per vehicle; $4 per trailered vehicle; $2 per dog (guide/service dogs free). Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Giant Highway, Richmond. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.

 

QUARRY LAKES REGIONAL RECREATION AREA The park includes three lakes sculpted from former quarry ponds. The largest, Horseshoe Lake, offers boating and fishing, with a swim beach that will open in the spring. Rainbow Lake is for fishing only, and the third lake, Lago Los Osos, is set aside for wildlife habitat. In addition, there are hiking and bicycling trails that connect to the Alameda Creek Regional Trail. The park includes three lakes sculpted from former quarry ponds. The largest, Horseshoe Lake, offers boating and fishing, with a swim beach that will open in the spring. Rainbow Lake is for fishing only, and the third lake, Lago Los Osos, is set aside for wildlife habitat. In addition there are hiking and bicycling trails that connect to the Alameda Creek Regional Trail. 

$5 parking; $2 per dog except guide/service dogs; boat launch fees; Park District fishing access permit fee of $3. Through Labor Day: daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sept. 6 through Sept. 30, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. 2100 Isherwood Way,, between Paseo Padre Parkway and Osprey Drive,, Fremont. (510) 795-4883, Picnic reservations:: (510) 562-2267, www.ebparks.org.

 

ROBERT SIBLEY VOLCANIC REGIONAL PRESERVE East Bay residents have several volcanoes in their backyard. This park contains Round Top, one of the highest peaks in the Oakland Hills. 

Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. 6800 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.

 

RUTH BANCROFT GARDEN One of America's finest private gardens, the Ruth Bancroft Garden displays 2,000 specimens from around the world that thrive in an arid climate. Included are African and Mexican succulents, New World cacti, Australian and Chilean trees, and shrubs from California. 

DOCENT TOUR SCHEDULE -- Saturdays, 10 a.m. Docent-led tours last approximately an hour and a half. Plant sales follow the tour. By reservation only. $7; free children under age 12.  

SELF-GUIDED TOURS -- Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-noon; Friday, 9:30 a.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. Self-guided tours last two hours. No reservations required for weekday tours; reservations required for Friday and Saturday tours. Plant sales follow the tours. $7; free children under age 12.  

Gardens open only for tours and special events listed on the garden's telephone information line. 1500 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. (925) 210-9663, www.ruthbancroftgarden.org.

 

SULPHUR CREEK NATURE CENTER A wildlife rehabilitation and education facility where injured and orphaned local wild creatures are rehabilitated and released when possible. There is also a lending library of animals such as guinea pigs, rats, mice and more. The lending fee is $8 per week.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Toddler Time," Learn about animals by listening to stories and exploring. Themes vary by month. Call for schedule. $7 per family.  

"Day on the Green Animal Presentations," Meet an assortment of wild and domestic animals. Wildlife volunteers will present a different animal each day from possums to snakes, tortoises to hawks. Saturday and Sunday, 2:30 p.m. 

CHILDREN'S EVENTS --  

Free. Park: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Discovery Center: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Animal Lending Library: Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: daily, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 1801 D St., Hayward. (510) 881-6747, www.haywardrec.org/sulphur_creek.html.< 

 

SUNOL REGIONAL WILDERNESS This park is full of scenic and natural wonders. You can hike the Ohlone Wilderness trail or Little Yosemite. There are bedrock mortars that were used by Native Americans, who were Sunol's first inhabitants. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Sunol Sunday Hike," Sundays, 1:30-3 p.m. A natural history walk in Sunol Regional Wilderness. 

"Sunol Sunday Hike," Sundays, 1:30-3 p.m. A natural history walk in the wilderness. 

"Valley Nature Ride," May 23, 10 p.m. Enjoy an introduction to the cultural and natural history of Sunol Regional Wilderness during a horseback ride. 

"Rattlesnake Rendezvous," May 29 and May 31, Saturday, 9 a.m.; Monday, 2 p.m. Travel back in time and gain stone age living skills. 

Free unless otherwise noted; $5 parking; $2 dog fee. Geary Road off Calaveras Road, six miles south of Interstate Highway 680, Sunol. (510) 652-PARK, www.ebparks.org.

 

TILDEN REGIONAL PARK This park is large and contains hiking trails, a golf course, a miniature scaled train to ride, The Brazilian Building and picnic areas. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"The Truth About Bees," May 22, 2:30-4 p.m. Learn all about bees in the farm classroom. 

Free unless otherwise noted. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Entrances off Wildcat Canyon Road and Grizzly Peak Boulevard, Berkeley. (510) 525-2233, www.ebparks.org.<


Kids-East Bay Through May 30

Tuesday May 18, 2010 - 09:12:00 AM

 

 

ARDENWOOD HISTORIC FARM Ardenwood farm is a working farm that dates back to the time of the Patterson Ranch, a 19th-century estate with a mansion and Victorian Gardens. Today, the farm still practices farming techniques from the 1870s. Unless otherwise noted, programs are free with regular admission.  

ONGOING PROGRAMS --  

"Blacksmithing," Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Watch a blacksmith turn iron into useful tools.  

"Horse-Drawn Train," Thursday, Friday and Sunday. A 20-minute ride departs from Ardenwood Station and Deer Park.  

"Animal Feeding," Thursday-Sunday, 3-4 p.m. Help slop the hogs, check the henhouse for eggs and bring hay to the livestock.  

"Victorian Flower Arranging," Thursday, 10:15-11:30 a.m. Watch as Ardenwood docents create floral works of art for display in the Patterson House.  

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Horse-Drawn Train Rides," Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 10:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Meet Jigs or Tucker the Belgian Draft horses that pull Ardenwood's train. Check the daily schedule and meet the train at Ardenwood Station or Deer Park. 

"Country Kitchen Cookin'," Sundays, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy the flavor of the past with treats cooked on Ardenwood's wood burning stove. Sample food grown on the farm and discover the history of your favorite oldtime snacks. 

"Animal Feeding," Thursday-Sunday, 3 p.m. Feed the pigs, check for eggs and bring hay to the livestock. 

"Toddler Time," Tuesdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Bring the tiny tots out for an exciting morning at the farm. Meet and learn all about a new animal friend through stories, chores and fun.  

"Potato Harvesting," Learn the spectacular history of this New World native as you dig with your spade and help find the spuds. 

Lambs, Kids and Piglets -- Oh My,'' May 8 and May 29, 11 a.m-noon. Learn farm animal facts on a morning stroll. 

"Hay Hoisting," May 9 and May 30, 2:30-3 p.m. Make rope and help hoist hay bales. 

"Fuzzy Wuzzy," May 22, 1 p.m. Design your own fuzzy farm friend with real wool. 

"Tending the Vegetable Garden," May 22, Noon-1 p.m. Lend a hand planting seeds and turning compost. 

"Quit Buggin' Those Bugs," May 23, Noon. Learn insect biology and replicate them through a craft. 

"Corn Mosaic Magic," May 23, 2 p.m. Select colorful pieces of Indian corn to place in your own unique design. 

"Herb Butter is the Best," May 23, 1 p.m. Shake up heavy whipping cream to make fresh farm butter. 

"Lovely Ladies Croquet," May 23, 1-3 p.m. Enjoy a croquet game. 

"Superbly Stained Glass Windows," May 29, Noon. Make handcrafted faux glass window art. 

"Backyard Chicken Keeping," May 30, 2-3 p.m. Meet the farm's hens and find out what it takes to keep your own flock. 

"Bone Diggin' Fossils," May 30, 1-2 p.m. Replicate fossils with recycled coffee grounds. 

"Gorgeous Goats," May 30, 11 a.m.-noon. Lend a hand grooming goats. 

"Wiggly Pigglies," May 30, 1-2 p.m. Meet the farm pigs. 

"Farm Jokes and Riddles," May 30, Noon-1 p.m. Tickle your funny bone with jokes and riddles. 

$1-$5; free children under age 4. Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont. (510) 796-0199, (510) 796-0663, www.ebparks.org.

 

BLACK DIAMOND MINES REGIONAL PRESERVE Originally the home of several Native American tribes, white men began coal mining in the area in the 1860s. The preserve today features old mines and displays of the history of the area. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"The Pittsburg Mine Trail Omnibus," May 22, 10 a.m.-noon. Get the complete story on a trail that blends the best of Black Diamond's natural and cultural history. 

Free unless otherwise noted; $5 seasonal parking fee on weekends. Daily, 8 a.m. to dusk Somersville Road, about five miles south of state Highway 4, Antioch. Information: (925) 757-2620, Tickets: (925) 555-1212, www.ebparks.org.

 

BLACKHAWK MUSEUM  

AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM -- The museum's permanent exhibition of internationally renowned automobiles dated from 1897 to the 1980s. The cars are displayed as works of art with room to walk completely around each car to admire the workmanship. On long-term loan from the Smithsonian Institution is a Long Steam Tricycle; an 1893-94 Duryea, the first Duryea built by the Duryea brothers; and a 1948 Tucker, number 39 of the 51 Tuckers built, which is a Model 48 "Torpedo'' four-door sedan.  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"International Automotive Treasures," An ever-changing exhibit featuring over 90 automobiles.  

"A Journey on Common Ground," An exhibit of moving photographs, video and art objects from around the world exploring the causes of disability and the efforts of the Wheelchair Foundation to provide a wheelchair for every person in need who cannot afford one.  

ONGOING EVENT --  

Free Public Tours, Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. Docent-led guided tours of the museum's exhibitions. 

$5-$8; free for children ages 6 and under. Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. (925) 736-2280, (925) 736-2277, www.blackhawkmuseum.org.

 

BOOKS INC., ALAMEDA  

Louis Sachar, May 27, 6:30 p.m. The author talks about "Cardturner.''  

Free. Readings at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 1344 Park St., Alameda. (510) 522-2226, www.booksinc.net.

 

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP An interactive place where children, and adults, can learn how a stuffed animal is made, then choose an animal pattern from the offering of bears, elephants, dogs and rabbits; stuff the chosen animal; dress it; and create a birth certificate. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

$10-$25; clothing and accessories extra. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Broadway Plaza, 1248 Broadway, Walnut Creek. (925) 946-4697, www.buildabear.com.

 

CHABOT SPACE AND SCIENCE CENTER State-of-the-art facility unifying science education activities around astronomy. Enjoy interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, indoor stargazing, outdoor telescope viewing and films. 

ASK JEEVES PLANETARIUM -- The planetarium features one of the most advanced star projectors in the world. A daily planetarium show is included with general admission. Call for current show schedule.  

"Tales Of The Maya Skies," "Tales of the Maya Skies'' is a new full-dome planetarium show that explores the cosmology of the ancient Maya, along with their culture and their contributions to astronomy. Starts November 21. 

"Astronaut," What does it take to be part of the exploration of space? Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut. Explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer space, from floating around the International Space Station to maneuvering through microscopic regions of the human body. Narrated by Ewan McGregor. 25 min. 

"Space NOW!", Each week, this real-time ride through constellations, stars, and planets will reflect current happenings in our sky. Space NOW! will also tie in activities going on throughout the center. This is Chabot's first daytime guided tour of the universe. 

"Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity," Take a ride to the inside of a massive black hole and learn about the latest scientific evidence, which suggests that black holes are real. Narrated by Liam Neeson. Suitable for age 12 and older. Free with General Admission ticket. 

"Immersive Space: Fly Through the Cosmos," Fridays, 8 p.m. Experience the "digital universe'' in a new full-dome system. Travel to the nearest star and beyond in seconds. 

"Sunshine," A 15-minute planetarium show for children ages 5 and under. In the show, Sunshine, a lovable animated cartoon of the Sun, urges the children to sing and play along with his tricks. In the process, he introduces the colors of the day sky and the other suns of the night sky. Free with regular general admission. 

"Secret of the Cardboard Rocket," Take a journey through the solar system with two young adventurers who turn an old cardboard box into a rocket. Recommended for ages 5-10. 

"The Search for Life: Are We Alone?" A voyage from the ocean deep to the outer reaches of the cosmos in search of life, narrated by Harrison Ford. 

"The Sky Tonight," Saturdays, 8 p.m. Take a live tour of the starry sky overhead on the night of your visit. The show includes a look at constellations, planets and special celestial objects. 

"Sonic Vision," Friday-Saturday, 9:15 p.m. This show uses the latest digital technology to illuminate the planetarium with colorful computer-generated imagery set to today's popular music, including Radiohead, U2, David Bowie, Coldplay, Moby and more. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Connecting Maya Culture and Astronomy," May 29, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Experience a full day of excitement highlighting the cultural relationship of the May with astronomy with hands-on activities, performances, food, music and more. "Tales of the Maya Skies" will run all day in English, Spanish and Mayan. Free with General Admission. 

SPECIAL EXHIBITS --  

"Chabot Observatories: A View to the Stars," This new permanent exhibit honors the 123-year history of Chabot and its telescopes. The observatory is one of the oldest public observatories in the United States. The exhibit covers the three different sites of the observatory over its history as well as how its historic telescopes continue to be operated today. Included are informative graphic panels, multimedia kiosks, interactive computer programs, hands-on stations, and historic artifacts. 

TIEN MEGADOME SCIENCE THEATER -- A 70-foot dome-screen auditorium. Show times subject to change. Call for current show schedule. Price with paid general admission is $6-$7. Theater only: $7-$8. (510) 336-7373, www.ticketweb.com. 

"Cosmic Voyage," A breathtaking journey through time and space. Zoom from the surface of the Earth to the largest observable structures of the Universe and back down to the sub-nuclear realm, a guided tour across some 42 orders of magnitude. Explore some of the greatest scientific theories, many of which have never before been visualized on film. 

"The Human Body," This show explores the daily biological processes that go on in the human body without our control and often without our notice. This amazing story is revealed in detail on the giant screen. 

"The Living Sea," The film celebrates the beauty, power and importance of the ocean. Produced in association with The National Maritime Center, the Ocean Film Network and Dr. Robert Ballard. 

"Forces of Nature," This film showcases the awesome spectacle of earthquakes, volcanoes, and severe storms as scientists continue their quests to understand how these natural disasters are triggered. 

"Dinosaurs Alive," A global adventure of science and discovery, featuring the earliest dinosaurs of the Triassic Period to the monsters of the Cretaceous, "reincarnated" life-sized for the giant screen. Audiences will journey with some of the world's preeminent paleontologists as they uncover evidence that the descendents of dinosaurs still walk (or fly) among us. From the exotic, trackless expanses and sand dunes of Mongolia's Gobi Desert to the dramatic sandstone buttes of New Mexico, the film will follow American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) paleontologists as they explore some of the greatest dinosaur finds in history. 

Center Admission: $9-$13; free children under 3; Movies and evening planetarium shows: $6-$8. Telescope viewing only: free. Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510) 336-7300, www.chabotspace.org.

 

CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND A fairy tale theme park featuring more than 30 colorful fantasy sets. Designed especially for children ages 10 and under, there are gentle rides, a train, the "Peter Rabbit Village,'' puppet shows, story-telling and lots of slides and animals. Admission price includes unlimited rides, special shows, guest entertainers and puppet shows.  

OLD WEST JUNCTION -- Children's Fairyland's newest attraction is a Wild West-themed town sized just for children, with a livery stable, bank, jail and a water tower slide.  

PUPPET SHOWS -- Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. All shows are at the Open Storybook Theatre. Free with regular Fairyland admission.  

ARTS AND CRAFTS CENTER -- Activities on Saturday and Sunday, noon to 3 p.m.  

ANIMAL OF THE DAY -- Saturday and Sunday, 1-1:20 p.m. at the Humpty Dumpty Wall. Learn about one of Fairyland's animal friends. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Arts and Crafts," Noon-3 p.m. Event features arts and crafts projects for children and their families. $6. 

"Animal of the Day!" Saturdays and Sundays, 1-1:20 p.m. Come up close and learn about Fairyland's creatures. 

"Act in a Box," May 22 through May 23, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Owen Baker Flynn presents a lively show featuring juggling, fire eating and a multitude of surprises.  

"Puppet Show: The Wind In The Willows," May 22 through May 23 and May 29 through May 23, 11 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m. The story by Kenneth Graham of Mr. Toad, Badger, Mole and Ratty comes to life at Fairyland. It's up to Mr. Toad's friends to save the day when he gets into trouble. Will it work out in the end? Come to Fairyland and see. Puppets and script by Randal Metz, with scenery by Lewis Mahlmann.  

"Short Attention Span Circus," May 29 through May 30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Jean Paul Valjean delights audiences with his acrobatics and juggling.  

$6; free for children under age 1; $2 for a Magic Key. No adult admitted without a child and no child admitted without an adult. Summer (June through Labor Day): Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fall and Spring: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Winter: Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CLOSED DEC. 25-JAN. 4. 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. (510) 452-2259, www.fairyland.org.

 

COYOTE HILLS REGIONAL PARK The park is located on the shoreline of Fremont Bay and features rich wetland areas as well as Ohlone Indian shellmound sites. Hiking in the park allows scenic views of San Francisco Bay and southern Alameda County. The 12-mile Alameda Creek Trail runs from the Bay east to the mouth of Niles Canyon and features an equestrian trail as well as a bicycle trail; hikers are welcome on both. The park conducts naturalist programs and has a visitor center with a nature store and Ohlone, natural history and wildlife exhibits.  

SPECIAL EVENTS -- Free unless otherwise noted.  

"Ohlone Cultural Activities," May 23 and May 30, 10:30 a.m.-noon.; 1-4 p.m. Find out how Ohlone peoples balanced human needs with that of the land through demonstrations of cultural skills past to present. 

"Nectar Garden Open House," May 23, 1-3 p.m. Gain ideas and inspiration to create a home or neighborhood nectar garden. 

"Open House," May 29, Noon-4 p.m. Learn about butterflies and more. 

Free unless otherwise noted; A parking fee may be charged. Registration required for events. April through October: daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; October through April, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., unless otherwise posted. 8000 Patterson Pass Road, Fremont. (510) 636-1684, (510) 795-9385, www.ebparks.org.

 

CRAB COVE VISITOR CENTER At Crab Cove, you can see live underwater creatures and go into the San Francisco Bay from land. You can also travel back in time to Alameda's part. The goal is to increase understanding of the environmental importance of San Francisco Bay and the ocean ecosystem. Crab Cove's Indoor Aquarium and Exhibit Lab is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the East Bay. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Sea Squirts," 10-11:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Discover the wonders of nature with your little one. Registration is required. $6-$8. 

"Sea Siblings," Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Explore the natural world and take part in a theme related craft. Designed for the 3-5 year old learner. Registration is required. $4. (888) 327-2757. 

"Catch of the Day," Sundays, 2-3 p.m. Drop by to find out more about the Bay and its wildlife through guided exploration and hands-on fun. 

"Origami Whale Hats," May 23, 1-2 p.m. Turn a simple piece of paper into a fancy blue whale and more. 

Free unless otherwise noted; parking fee may be charged. 1252 McKay Ave., Alameda. (510) 521-6887, www.ebparks.org.

 

DUNSMUIR HOUSE AND GARDENS HISTORIC ESTATE Nestled in the Oakland hills, the 50-acre Dunsmuir House and Gardens estate includes the 37-room Neoclassical Revival Dunsmuir Mansion, built by coal and lumber baron Alexander Dunsmuir for his bride. Restored outbuildings set amid landscaped gardens surround the mansion.  

ESTATE GROUNDS -- Self-Guided Grounds Tours are available yearround. The 50 acres of gardens and grounds at the mansion are open to the public for walking Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Booklets and maps of the grounds are available at the Dinkelspiel House. Free.  

GUIDED TOURS -- Docent-led tours are available on the first Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. (except for July) and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. $5 adults, $4 seniors and juniors (11-16), children 11 and under free. 

Dunsmuir House and Gardens, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland. (510) 615-5555, www.dunsmuir.org.

 

FOREST HOME FARMS The 16-acre former farm of the Boone family is now a municipal historic park in San Ramon. It is located at the base of the East Bay Hills and is divided into two parts by Oak Creek. The Boone House is a 22-room Dutch colonial that has been remodeled several times since it was built in 1900. Also on the property are a barn built in the period from 1850 to 1860; the Victorian-style David Glass House, dating from the late 1860s to early 1870s; a storage structure for farm equipment and automobiles; and a walnut processing plant. 

Free unless otherwise noted. Public tours available by appointment. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. (925) 973-3281, www.ci.sanramon. ca.us/parks/boone.htm.< 

 

HABITOT CHILDREN'S MUSEUM A museum especially for children ages 7 and under. Highlights include "WaterWorks,'' an area with some unusual water toys, an Infant Tree for babies, a garden especially for toddlers, a child-scale grocery store and cafe, and a costume shop and stage for junior thespians. The museum also features a toy lending library.  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"Waterworks." A water play gallery with rivers, a pumping station and a water table, designed to teach about water.  

"Little Town Grocery and Cafe." Designed to create the ambience of shopping in a grocery store and eating in a restaurant.  

"Infant-Toddler Garden." A picket fence gated indoor area, which includes a carrot patch with wooden carrots to be harvested, a pretend pond and a butterfly mobile to introduce youngsters to the concept of food, gardening and agriculture.  

"Dramatic Arts Stage." Settings, backdrops and costumes coincide with seasonal events and holidays. Children can exercise their dramatic flair here.  

"Wiggle Wall." The floor-to-ceiling "underground'' tunnels give children a worm's eye view of the world. The tunnels are laced with net covered openings and giant optic lenses. 

SPECIAL EXHIBITS --  

$6-$7. Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Closed Sunday-Tuesday. 2065 Kittredge St., Berkeley. (510) 647-1111, www.habitot.org.

 

HALL OF HEALTH A community health-education museum and science center promoting wellness and individual responsibility for health. There are hands-on exhibits that teach about the workings of the human body, the value of a healthy diet and exercise, and the destructive effects of smoking and drug abuse. "Kids on the Block'' puppet shows, which use puppets from diverse cultures to teach about and promote acceptance of conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, leukemia, blindness, arthritis and spina bifida, are available by request for community events and groups visiting the Hall on Saturdays.  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"This Is Your Heart!" An interactive exhibit on heart health.  

"Good Nutrition," This exhibit includes models for making balanced meals and an Exercycle for calculating how calories are burned.  

"Draw Your Own Insides," Human-shaped chalkboards and models with removable organs allow visitors to explore the inside of their bodies.  

"Your Cellular Self and Cancer Prevention," An exhibit on understanding how cells become cancerous and how to detect and prevent cancer. 

Suggested $3 donation; free for children under age 3. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 2230 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 549-1564, www.hallofhealth.org.

 

HAYWARD SHORELINE INTERPRETIVE CENTER Perched on stilts above a salt marsh, the Center offers an introduction to the San Francisco Bay-Estuary. It features exhibits, programs and activities designed to inspire a sense of appreciation, respect and stewardship for the Bay, its inhabitants and the services they provide. The Habitat Room offers a preview of what may be seen outside. The 80-gallon Bay Tank contains some of the fish that live in the Bay's open waters, and the Channel Tank represents habitats formed by the maze of sloughs and creeks that snake through the marsh. The main room of the Center features rotating exhibits about area history, plants and wildlife. Part of the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District.  

ONGOING EXHIBIT --  

"Exploring Nature," An exhibit of Shawn Gould's illustrations featuring images of the natural world. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Waterfowl of the Freshwater Marsh," 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Join an expert birder to go "behind the gates'' to areas of the marsh that are not open to the public. 

"Nature Detectives," 11 a.m.-noon. An introduction and exploration of the world of Black-Crowned Night-Herons. Ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Registration required. 

"Weekend Weed Warriors," 1-4 p.m. Help the shoreline to eliminate the non-native plants that threaten its diversity. Ages 12 and older. Registration required. 

Free. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward. (510) 670-7270, www.hard.dst.ca.us/hayshore.html.< 

 

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE EAST BAY  

"Shabbat Celebration for Young Children," Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Join other families with young children to sharethis weekly Jewish holiday of joy and renewal.  

1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. (510) 848-0237, www.jcceastbay.org/.< 

 

JUNIOR CENTER OF ART AND SCIENCE A center dedicated to encouraging children's active wonder and creative response through artistic and scientific exploration of their natural urban environment. The center's classes, workshops, exhibits and events integrate art and science.  

EXHIBITS -- Three educational exhibits are mounted in the "Children's Gallery'' each year. A docent-led tour, demonstrations, hands-on activities and art projects are available to school groups throughout the year.  

"Jake's Discovery Garden," Jake's Discovery Garden is a new interactive studio exhibit designed for preschool-aged children and their adult caregivers that teaches young visitors about the natural environments found in their backyards, playgrounds and neighborhoods. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

Free; programs and special exhibits have a fee. September through May: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June through August: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 558 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. (510) 839-5777, www.juniorcenter.org.

 

LA PENA CULTURAL CENTER  

"La Chismosa," May 29, 8 p.m. Adelina takes up hilarious stereotypes and even creates new ones. $15-$18.  

3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 849-2568, www.lapena.org.

 

LAKE CHABOT REGIONAL PARK The 315-acre lake offers year-round recreation. Services include canoe and boat rental, horseshoe pits, hiking, bicycling, picnicking and seasonal tours aboard the Chabot Queen. For boat rentals, call (510) 247-2526. 

Free unless noted otherwise; $5 parking; $2 per dog except guide/service dogs. Daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 17930 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.

 

LAWRENCE HALL OF SCIENCE  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"NanoZone," Discover the science of the super-small: nanotechnology. Through hands-on activities and games, explore this microworld and the scientific discoveries made in this area.  

"Forces That Shape the Bay," A science park that shows and explains why the San Francisco Bay is the way it is, with information on water, erosion, plate tectonics and mountain building. You can ride earthquake simulators, set erosion in motion and look far out into the bay with a powerful telescope from 1,100 feet above sea level. The center of the exhibit is a waterfall that demonstrates how water flows from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Bay. Visitors can control where the water goes. There are also hands-on erosion tables, and a 40-foot-long, 6-foothigh, rock compression wall.  

"Real Astronomy Experience," A new exhibit-in-development allowing visitors to use the tools that real astronomers use. Aim a telescope at a virtual sky and operate a remote-controlled telescope to measure a planet.  

"Biology Lab," In the renovated Biology Lab visitors may hold and observe gentle animals. Saturday, Sunday and holidays, 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.  

"The Idea Lab," Experiment with some of the basics of math, science and technology through hands-on activities and demonstrations of magnets, spinning and flying, puzzles and nanotechnology.  

"Math Around the World," Play some of the world's most popular math games, such as Hex, Kalah, Game Sticks and Shongo Networks.  

"Math Rules," Use simple and colorful objects to complete interesting challenges in math through predicting, sorting, comparing, weighing and counting.  

 

HOLT PLANETARIUM Shows on Saturdays and Sundays. Programs recommended for ages 6 and up unless otherwise noted. $2.50-$3 in addition to general admission.  

"Journey to the Moon," Experience a time traveler's view of the changing shapes of the moon as it waxes and wanes in the planetarium. Ages 4-7. 

"Mysteries of Missing Matter," Investigate the complexity of the universe and learn why astronomers now think that most of the matter in our universe mysteriously invisible to us. 

"Constellations Tonight," Learn to identify the most prominent constellations of the season in the planetarium sky with a simple star map. 

$5.50-$10; free children ages 2 and under. Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. University of California, Centennial Drive, Berkeley. (510) 642-5132, www.lawrencehallofscience.org.

 

LINDSAY WILDLIFE MUSEUM This is the oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation center in America, taking in 6,000 injured and orphaned animals yearly and returning 40 percent of them to the wild. The museum offers a wide range of educational programs using non-releasable wild animals to teach children and adults respect for the balance of nature. The museum includes a state-of-the art wildlife hospital which features a permanent exhibit, titled "Living with Nature,'' which houses 75 non-releasable wild animals in learning environments; a 5,000-square-foot Wildlife Hospital complete with treatment rooms, intensive care, quarantine and laboratory facilities; a 1-acre Nature Garden featuring the region's native landscaping and wildlife; and an "Especially For Children'' exhibit.  

WILDLIFE HOSPITAL -- September-March: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hospital is open daily including holidays to receive injured and orphaned animals. There is no charge for treatment of native wild animals and there are no public viewing areas in the hospital. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

$5-$7; free children under age 2. Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. (925) 935-1978, www.wildlife-museum.org.< 

 

THE MARSH BERKELEY  

"The World's Funniest Bubble Show," through June 27, Sunday, 11 a.m. Bubble Man Louis Pearl presents his fun and family-friendly antics. $7-$50.  

The Gaia Building, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. Info: (415) 826-5750, Tickets: (800) 838-3006, www.themarsh.org.

 

MUSEUM OF CHILDREN'S ART A museum of art for and by children, with activities for children to participate in making their own art.  

ART CAMPS -- Hands-on activities and engaging curriculum for children of different ages, led by professional artists and staff. $60 per day.  

CLASSES -- A Sunday series of classes for children ages 8 to 12, led by Mocha artists. Sundays, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  

OPEN STUDIOS -- Drop-in art play activities with new themes each week.  

"Big Studio." Guided art projects for children age 6 and older with a Mocha artist. Tuesday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. $5.  

"Little Studio." A hands-on experience that lets young artists age 18 months to 5 years see, touch and manipulate a variety of media. Children can get messy. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5.  

"Family Weekend Studios." Drop-in art activities for the whole family. All ages welcome. Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. $5 per child.  

FAMILY EXTRAVAGANZAS -- Special weekend workshops for the entire family.  

"Sunday Workshops with Illustrators," Sundays, 1 p.m. See the artwork and meet the artists who create children's book illustrations. Free. 

EVENTS --  

"Saturday Stories," 1 p.m. For children ages 2-5. Free. 

SPECIAL EVENT --  

"Saturday Stories," 1 p.m. For ages 2-5. Free. 

Free gallery admission. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 538 Ninth St., Oakland. (510) 465-8770, www.mocha.org.

 

OAKLAND ZOO The zoo includes a Children's Petting Zoo, the Skyride, a miniature train, a carousel, picnic grounds and a gift shop as well as the animals in site specific exhibits, which allow them to roam freely. Included are "The African Savanna,'' with its two huge mixed-animal aviaries and 11 African Savanna exhibits; the Mahali Pa Tembo (Place of the Elephant), with giraffes, chimpanzees and more than 330 other animals from around the world; "Simba Pori,'' Swahili for "Lion Country,'' a spacious 1.5-acre habitat offering both a savanna and woodland setting for African lions; "Footprints from the Past,'' an anthropology exhibit showcasing four million years of human evolution and an actual "footpath'' of the first hominids to emerge from the African savanna; "Sun Bear Exhibit,'' a stateof-the-art space the zoo has developed for its two sun bears; and Siamang Island, a state-of-the-art, barrier-free area that emulates the gibbons' native tropical rain forest habitat. Also see the Malayan Fruit Bats from the Lubee Bat Conservancy in Florida that are now roosting in trees at the zoo. In addition there are special exhibits and events monthly.  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"Valley Children's Zoo," The three-acre attraction offers a completely interactive experience for both children and adults. The exhibits include lemurs, giant fruit bats, otters, reptiles, insects and more. Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

"Endangered Species," An exhibit of photographs about the most endangered animals on the Earth and what can be done to save them. At the Education Center. Open daily during zoo hours. ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Valley Children's Zoo," Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The three-acre attraction will offer a completely interactive experience for both children and adults. The exhibits include lemurs, giant fruit bats, otters, reptiles, insects and more. Free with regular Zoo admission.  

"Wildlife Theater," Saturday, 11:45 a.m.; Sunday, 1:45 p.m. On Saturday mornings listen to a story and meet a live animal. On Sunday afternoon meet live animals and learn cool facts about them. Meet in the Lobby of the Zoo's Maddie's Center for Science and Environmental Education. Free with regular Zoo admission. (510) 632-9525, ext. 142. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

$7.50-11; free children under age 2; $6 parking fee. Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Knowland Park, 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland. (510) 632-9525, www.oaklandzoo.org.

 

POINT PINOLE REGIONAL SHORELINE The 2,315-acre parkland bordering Pinole, Richmond and San Pablo offers views of Mount Tamalpais, the Marin shoreline and San Pablo Bay. There are trails through meadows and woods, and along the bluffs and beaches of San Pablo Bay. Visitors can hike, ride bikes or take the park's shuttle bus to reach the 1,250-foot fishing pier at Point Pinole. 

$5 per vehicle; $4 per trailered vehicle; $2 per dog (guide/service dogs free). Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Giant Highway, Richmond. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.

 

ROBERT SIBLEY VOLCANIC REGIONAL PRESERVE East Bay residents have several volcanoes in their backyard. This park contains Round Top, one of the highest peaks in the Oakland Hills. 

Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. 6800 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.

 

SCHARFFEN BERGER CHOCOLATE FACTORY This hour-long tour covers the history of chocolate making, from the cultivation of cacao beans to the finished product. After a chocolate tasting, visitors take a walking tour of the factory floor. Open to children 10 and up. Reservations required. 

Free with reservation. Every hour on the half-hour, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 914 Heinz Ave., Berkeley. (510) 981-4066, www.scharffenbergertour.com.

 

SHADOW CLIFFS REGIONAL RECREATION AREA The 296-acre park includes an 80-acre lake and a four-flume waterslide, with picnic grounds and a swimming beach. Water slide fees and hours: (925) 829-6230. 

$6 per vehicle; $2 per dog except guide and service dogs. May 1 through Labor Day: daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; shortened hours for fall and winter. Stanley Boulevard, one mile from downtown, Pleasanton. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.

 

SULPHUR CREEK NATURE CENTER A wildlife rehabilitation and education facility where injured and orphaned local wild creatures are rehabilitated and released when possible. There is also a lending library of animals such as guinea pigs, rats, mice and more. The lending fee is $8 per week.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Toddler Time," Learn about animals by listening to stories and exploring. Themes vary by month. Call for schedule. $7 per family.  

"Day on the Green Animal Presentations," Meet an assortment of wild and domestic animals. Wildlife volunteers will present a different animal each day from possums to snakes, tortoises to hawks. Saturday and Sunday, 2:30 p.m. 

CHILDREN'S EVENTS --  

Free. Park: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Discovery Center: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Animal Lending Library: Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: daily, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 1801 D St., Hayward. (510) 881-6747, www.haywardrec.org/sulphur_creek.html.< 

 

TILDEN REGIONAL PARK This park is large and contains hiking trails, a golf course, a miniature scaled train to ride, The Brazilian Building and picnic areas. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"The Truth About Bees," May 22, 2:30-4 p.m. Learn all about bees in the farm classroom. 

Free unless otherwise noted. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Entrances off Wildcat Canyon Road and Grizzly Peak Boulevard, Berkeley. (510) 525-2233, www.ebparks.org.

 

USS HORNET MUSEUM Come aboard this World War II aircraft carrier that has been converted into a floating museum. The Hornet, launched in 1943, is 899 feet long and 27 stories high. During World War II she was never hit by an enemy strike or plane and holds the Navy record for number of enemy planes shot down in a week. In 1969 the Hornet recovered the Apollo 11 space capsule containing the first men to walk on the moon, and later recovered Apollo 12. In 1991 the Hornet was designated a National Historic Landmark and is now docked at the same pier she sailed from in 1944. Today, visitors can tour the massive ship, view World War II-era warplanes and experience a simulated aircraft launch from the carrier's deck. Exhibits are being added on an ongoing basis. Allow two to three hours for a visit. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb steep stairs or ladders. Dress in layers as the ship can be cold. Arrive no later than 2 p.m. to sign up for the engine room and other docent-led tours. Children under age 12 are not allowed in the Engine Room or the Combat Information Center.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Limited Access Day," Due to ship maintenance, tours of the navigation bridge and the engine room are not available. Tuesdays.  

"Flight Deck Fun," A former Landing Signal Officer will show children how to bring in a fighter plane for a landing on the deck then let them try the signals themselves. Times vary. Free with regular Museum admission.  

"Protestant Divine Services," Hornet chaplain John Berger conducts church services aboard The Hornet in the Wardroom Lounge. Everyone is welcome and refreshments are served immediately following the service. Sundays, 11 a.m. 

SPECIAL EVENTS -- Closed on New Year's Day. 

"Flashlight Tour," Receive a special tour of areas aboard the ship that have not yet been opened to the public or that have limited access during the day. 

"Family Day," Discounted admission for families of four with a further discount for additional family members. Access to some of the areas may be limited due to ship maintenance. Every Tuesday. $20 for family of four; $5 for each additional family member. 

"Living Ship Day," Experience an aircraft carrier in action, with simulated flight operations as aircraft are lifted to the flight deck and placed in launch position. Some former crewmembers will be on hand. 

$6-$14; free children age 4 and under with a paying adult. Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pier 3 (enter on Atlantic Avenue), Alameda Point, Alameda. (510) 521-8448, www.uss-hornet.org.<


Dance-East Bay Through May 30

Tuesday May 18, 2010 - 09:00:00 AM

ASHKENAZ  

Balkan Folkdance, May 26, 8 p.m. $7.  

1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. (510) 525-5054, www.ashkenaz.com.

 

SHATTUCK DOWN LOW  

"Live Salsa," Wednesdays. An evening of dancing to the music of a live salsa band. Salsa dance lesson from 8:30-9:30 p.m. $5-$10.  

For ages 21 and older. 2284 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 548-1159, www.shattuckdownlow.com.

 

STARRY PLOUGH PUB  

"Ceili and Dance," Traditional Irish music and dance. The evening begins with a dance lesson at 7 p.m. followed by music at 9 p.m. Mondays, 7 p.m. Free.  

For ages 21 and over unless otherwise noted. Sunday and Wednesday, 8 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 841-2082, www.starryploughpub.com.<


General-East Bay Through May 30

Tuesday May 18, 2010 - 09:05:00 AM

 

 

ASHKENAZ  

"I Like My Bike Night," First Friday of the month, 9 p.m. This monthly series brings bicycle innovators, enthusiasts, artists and organizations together under one roof, as well as encourages regular Ashkenaz show-goers to leave their cars in the driveway and arrive at the venue by bicycle instead. $8-$25.  

1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. (510) 525-5054, www.ashkenaz.com.

 

BAY AREA FREE BOOK EXCHANGE  

"Free Books," Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Donate your unwanted books and receive new titles for free.  

10520 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. (510) 526-1941, www.bayareafreebookexchange.com.

 

CALIFORNIA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY AND LIBRARY  

"California Genealogical Society and Library Free First Saturday," 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Event takes place on the first Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Trace and compile your family history at this month's open house event. Free. www.calgensoc.org. 

2201 Broadway, Suite LL2, Oakland. (510) 663-1358.< 

 

CESAR  

"Ay Carumba," May 24, 6 p.m. Celebrate a centuries-old love affair with the true agave nectar. $48-$56. www.commonwealthclub.org. 

4039 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. (510) 985-1202, www.barcesar.com.

 

CHABOT SPACE AND SCIENCE CENTER State-of-the-art facility unifying science education activities around astronomy. Enjoy interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, indoor stargazing, outdoor telescope viewing and films. 

ASK JEEVES PLANETARIUM -- The planetarium features one of the most advanced star projectors in the world. A daily planetarium show is included with general admission. Call for current show schedule.  

"The Search for Life: Are We Alone?" A voyage from the ocean deep to the outer reaches of the cosmos in search of life, narrated by Harrison Ford. 

"Secret of the Cardboard Rocket," Take a journey through the solar system with two young adventurers who turn an old cardboard box into a rocket. Recommended for ages 5-10. 

"Sunshine," A 15-minute planetarium show for children ages 5 and under. In the show, Sunshine, a lovable animated cartoon of the Sun, urges the children to sing and play along with his tricks. In the process, he introduces the colors of the day sky and the other suns of the night sky. Free with regular general admission. 

"Immersive Space: Fly Through the Cosmos," Fridays, 8 p.m. Experience the "digital universe'' in a new full-dome system. Travel to the nearest star and beyond in seconds. 

"Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity," Take a ride to the inside of a massive black hole and learn about the latest scientific evidence, which suggests that black holes are real. Narrated by Liam Neeson. Suitable for age 12 and older. Free with General Admission ticket. 

"Tales Of The Maya Skies," "Tales of the Maya Skies'' is a new full-dome planetarium show that explores the cosmology of the ancient Maya, along with their culture and their contributions to astronomy. Starts November 21. 

"The Sky Tonight," Saturdays, 8 p.m. Take a live tour of the starry sky overhead on the night of your visit. The show includes a look at constellations, planets and special celestial objects. 

"Sonic Vision," Friday-Saturday, 9:15 p.m. This show uses the latest digital technology to illuminate the planetarium with colorful computer-generated imagery set to today's popular music, including Radiohead, U2, David Bowie, Coldplay, Moby and more. 

"Astronaut," What does it take to be part of the exploration of space? Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut. Explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer space, from floating around the International Space Station to maneuvering through microscopic regions of the human body. Narrated by Ewan McGregor. 25 min. 

"Space NOW!", Each week, this real-time ride through constellations, stars, and planets will reflect current happenings in our sky. Space NOW! will also tie in activities going on throughout the center. This is Chabot's first daytime guided tour of the universe. 

CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER -- "Escape from the Red Planet," a cooperative venture for families and groups of up to 14 people, age 8 and up. The scenario on this one hour mission: You are the crew of a shuttle to Mars that has been severely damaged in a crash landing. Your replacement crew is gone, the worst dust storm ever recorded on Mars approaches, and air, food, and water are extremely low. The mission: get the shuttle working again and into orbit before the dust storm hits. Reservations required. Children age 8-12 must be accompanied by an adult; not appropriate for children under age 8. $12-$15; Does not include general admission to the Center. Reservations: (510) 336-7421. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Connecting Maya Culture and Astronomy," May 29, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Experience a full day of excitement highlighting the cultural relationship of the May with astronomy with hands-on activities, performances, food, music and more. "Tales of the Maya Skies" will run all day in English, Spanish and Mayan. Free with General Admission. 

SPECIAL EXHIBITS --  

"Chabot Observatories: A View to the Stars," This new permanent exhibit honors the 123-year history of Chabot and its telescopes. The observatory is one of the oldest public observatories in the United States. The exhibit covers the three different sites of the observatory over its history as well as how its historic telescopes continue to be operated today. Included are informative graphic panels, multimedia kiosks, interactive computer programs, hands-on stations, and historic artifacts. 

TIEN MEGADOME SCIENCE THEATER -- A 70-foot dome-screen auditorium. Show times subject to change. Call for current show schedule. Price with paid general admission is $6-$7. Theater only: $7-$8. (510) 336-7373, www.ticketweb.com. 

"The Human Body," This show explores the daily biological processes that go on in the human body without our control and often without our notice. This amazing story is revealed in detail on the giant screen. 

"The Living Sea," The film celebrates the beauty, power and importance of the ocean. Produced in association with The National Maritime Center, the Ocean Film Network and Dr. Robert Ballard. 

"Forces of Nature," This film showcases the awesome spectacle of earthquakes, volcanoes, and severe storms as scientists continue their quests to understand how these natural disasters are triggered. 

"Cosmic Voyage," A breathtaking journey through time and space. Zoom from the surface of the Earth to the largest observable structures of the Universe and back down to the sub-nuclear realm, a guided tour across some 42 orders of magnitude. Explore some of the greatest scientific theories, many of which have never before been visualized on film. 

"Dinosaurs Alive," A global adventure of science and discovery, featuring the earliest dinosaurs of the Triassic Period to the monsters of the Cretaceous, "reincarnated" life-sized for the giant screen. Audiences will journey with some of the world's preeminent paleontologists as they uncover evidence that the descendents of dinosaurs still walk (or fly) among us. From the exotic, trackless expanses and sand dunes of Mongolia's Gobi Desert to the dramatic sandstone buttes of New Mexico, the film will follow American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) paleontologists as they explore some of the greatest dinosaur finds in history. 

Center Admission: $9-$13; free children under 3; Movies and evening planetarium shows: $6-$8. Telescope viewing only: free. Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510) 336-7300, www.chabotspace.org.

 

CLAYTON BOOKS  

"Going Out of Business Sale," through May 22. All used books are 50% off. 30% price reduction off everything else in stock.  

5433 D Clayton Road, Clayton. (925) 673-3325.< 

 

DUNSMUIR HOUSE AND GARDENS HISTORIC ESTATE Nestled in the Oakland hills, the 50-acre Dunsmuir House and Gardens estate includes the 37-room Neoclassical Revival Dunsmuir Mansion, built by coal and lumber baron Alexander Dunsmuir for his bride. Restored outbuildings set amid landscaped gardens surround the mansion.  

ESTATE GROUNDS -- Self-Guided Grounds Tours are available yearround. The 50 acres of gardens and grounds at the mansion are open to the public for walking Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Booklets and maps of the grounds are available at the Dinkelspiel House. Free.  

GUIDED TOURS -- Docent-led tours are available on the first Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. (except for July) and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. $5 adults, $4 seniors and juniors (11-16), children 11 and under free. 

Dunsmuir House and Gardens, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland. (510) 615-5555, www.dunsmuir.org.

 

FRANK OGAWA PLAZA  

"Oakland Artisan Marketplace," Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The City of Oakland and Cultural Arts & Marketing Department presents a weekly market featuring fine arts and crafts of local artists. Free. (510) 238-4948, www.oaklandartisanmarketplace.org. 

14th Street and Broadway, Oakland. < 

 

JACK LONDON AQUATIC CENTER  

"Oakland Artisan Marketplace,"' Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The City of Oakland and Cultural Arts & Marketing Department presents a weekly market featuring fine arts and crafts of local artists. Free. (510) 238-4948, www.oaklandartisanmarketplace.org. 

115 Embarcadero, Oakland. < 

 

JACK LONDON SQUARE  

"Urban Couture Fashion/Art Expo," May 22, Expo 1 p.m.; Fashion show, 7 p.m. Explore fashion designs workshops, community art exhibits, education and emerging artists.  

"Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Cooking Demonstration," May 30, 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Join the Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association and Chef Sim Peyron for a special cooking demonstration that utilizes fresh seasonal ingredients that can be purchased at the Market from local farmers who produce just-harvested, sustainable and delicious products.  

Foot of Broadway, Oakland. (866) 295-9853, www.jacklondonsquare.com.

 

LA PENA CULTURAL CENTER  

Andres Alejandro, May 21, 8 p.m. $13-$15.  

Bang Data, May 22, 8:30 p.m. $10.  

"Revolutionary Ecology," May 23, 7 p.m. Program recognizes the 20th anniversary of the bomb attack on Earth First with activist Judi Bari with speakers, music and film. Free.  

"La Chismosa," May 29, 8 p.m. Adelina takes up hilarious stereotypes and even creates new ones. $15-$18.  

3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 849-2568, www.lapena.org.

 

 

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH  

"Annual Food Bazaar," May 30, Noon-4 p.m. Enjoy homemade Japanese cuisine, a silent auction, handicrafts, entertainment and game booths for families.  

809 2nd St, Brentwood. (925) 634-3093.< 

 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY PACIFIC FILM ARCHIVE Exploring cinema from the Bay Area and cultures around the world, the Pacific Film Archive offers daily film screenings, including rare and rediscovered prints of movie classics; new and historic works by world famous directors; restored silent films with live musical accompaniment; retrospectives; and new and experimental works. Check Web site for a full schedule of films.  

"First Impressions: Free First Thursdays," first Thursday of every month. Special tours and movie presentations. Admission is free. 

Single feature: $5-$8; Double feature: $9-$12 general. PFA Theater, 2575 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. (510) 642-5249, www.bampfa.berkeley.edu.

 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY, MORRISON LIBRARY  

"Lunch Poems," First Thursday of the month, 12:10-12:50 p.m.  

2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. (510) 642-3671.< 

 

USS HORNET MUSEUM Come aboard this World War II aircraft carrier that has been converted into a floating museum. The Hornet, launched in 1943, is 899 feet long and 27 stories high. During World War II she was never hit by an enemy strike or plane and holds the Navy record for number of enemy planes shot down in a week. In 1969 the Hornet recovered the Apollo 11 space capsule containing the first men to walk on the moon, and later recovered Apollo 12. In 1991 the Hornet was designated a National Historic Landmark and is now docked at the same pier she sailed from in 1944. Today, visitors can tour the massive ship, view World War II-era warplanes and experience a simulated aircraft launch from the carrier's deck. Exhibits are being added on an ongoing basis. Allow two to three hours for a visit. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb steep stairs or ladders. Dress in layers as the ship can be cold. Arrive no later than 2 p.m. to sign up for the engine room and other docent-led tours. Children under age 12 are not allowed in the Engine Room or the Combat Information Center.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Limited Access Day," Due to ship maintenance, tours of the navigation bridge and the engine room are not available. Tuesdays.  

"Flight Deck Fun," A former Landing Signal Officer will show children how to bring in a fighter plane for a landing on the deck then let them try the signals themselves. Times vary. Free with regular Museum admission.  

"Protestant Divine Services," Hornet chaplain John Berger conducts church services aboard The Hornet in the Wardroom Lounge. Everyone is welcome and refreshments are served immediately following the service. Sundays, 11 a.m. 

SPECIAL EVENTS -- Closed on New Year's Day. 

"Flashlight Tour," Receive a special tour of areas aboard the ship that have not yet been opened to the public or that have limited access during the day. 

"Living Ship Day," Experience an aircraft carrier in action, with simulated flight operations as aircraft are lifted to the flight deck and placed in launch position. Some former crewmembers will be on hand. 

"Family Day," Discounted admission for families of four with a further discount for additional family members. Access to some of the areas may be limited due to ship maintenance. Every Tuesday. $20 for family of four; $5 for each additional family member. 

$6-$14; free children age 4 and under with a paying adult. Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pier 3 (enter on Atlantic Avenue), Alameda Point, Alameda. (510) 521-8448, www.uss-hornet.org.<