I came home last night for another brief R&R before returning to ArnieVille in an hour or so...What a difference hot water & shampoo make! 

Yesterday we threw a "media event" which still has me really jazzed. Well, we called it a media event, but since only one media representative (the Daily Cal newspaper) showed up, I'm re-dubbing it a community event, since the disability community turned out in droves. Here's the backstory: we've been building a sculpture at ArnieVille since Wednesday. It's the brainchild of my dear artist friend David Cook, who argued that since other towns & villages have a statue in their town square honoring their namesake, we should follow suit! So he constructed an armature of steel wire, and a team of enthusiastic sculptors-in-training, including four 10-year-olds as well as 83-year-old Bob, laid on papier mache as well as strips of cloth. Arnold is now ten feet tall; in one hand he grips a big fat stogie, and in the other--upraised & ready to slash--an axe. He's not done yet; we still need to put some finishing touches on him--like adding those vicious teeth, for instance--& paint him. 

Anyway, at yesterday's event, after the speakers had concluded their statements, our MC said to the crowd, "And now we want to pay our respects to the man for whom our village is named..." Various people drum-rolled on upturned fruit bowls and empty water jugs (using salad tongs & wooden spoons as drumsticks), and then six of us wheeled up to Arnold in our chairs and pied him. Well, five of us. The sixth person was Bob, who climbed up on a ladder to pie Arnold in his face. Poor Arnold. 

So I've finally washed the whipped cream out of my hair. 

But let me tell you about the speakers! All are members of our core group. Adrienne Lauby has severe asthma but doesn't "look disabled," whatever that means. Sheela Gunn-Cushman is blind and an out Republican. Vanessa Castro rides a power wheelchair, has CP, and uses an electronic communicator to speak. And our MC, Ramona Galindez, is black & deaf. What a mix, wheee! Ramona did her introductions through the brilliant services of ASL interpreter Sherry Hicks; Vanessa prepared her speech in advance & programmed her device so that all she had to do was hit a button, & her fabulous words unfurled. Sheela, who compared our struggle for independence (tomorrow is the 4th of July) to the historic fight for independence from England, used her Braille device to prompt her memory. The marvelous Abril Tamayo interpreted the proceedings into Spanish. I was weeping with joy & huge pride... 

In case you're wondering why so few media turned out for the event, I think that some of them probably felt they'd already covered us a week ago when they came to our previous press conference. I'm guessing that as our numbers grow--I think we're now up to about 17 campers in about 13 tents--the media will find us more & more newsworthy. We do seem to be very much on the media radar, despite yesterday's low press turnout. We're ALL OVER cyberspace; media stories about us sprout on the Internet like weeds! If you visit our website &/or Facebook page, you'll see what I mean. (BTW, you don't have to be a member of Facebook--I'm not--to view the page.) Our website is finally finished. 

So far, the city and the cops still support us. Knock on wood. We're being extremely careful: a policy of zero tolerance for alcohol & drugs, clean site, etc. 

We REALLY need you Californians to get involved in the city council letter campaign. Use our Berkeley city council letter (attached) as a boilerplate, take it to your own city councilmember or superviser, and persuade her/him to urge the council/board of supes to send it to the governor. It's a really effective way to spread the message throughout CA, so that it doesn't simply remain "a Berkeley thing." The letter strongly opposes the budget cuts & the unannounced visits to IHSS recipients' (that would be ME, folks) homes. 

I can't spend much longer at the computer, but I want to thank those of you who responded to my previous email with your kind words and financial contributions--you're an amazing lot. To those of you who haven't yet managed to stop by ArnieVille, come on down & lend us your physical presence. Help us stop these dreadful budget cuts. We're on the grassy median strip on Adeline St. at Russell in Berkeley, opposite the original Berkeley Bowl. And to those of you who plan to send a donation but haven't yet got round to it, we really do need cold hard cash to cover our big-ticket items like the porta-potty & sink rental, and the cost of sign language interpreters. You can visit the DREDF (Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund) website and make a contribution using the Pay Pal button. We're a (informal) project of DREDF, so your contribution is tax-deductible. You might want to send a separate email indicating that your donation is for ArnieVille. Or you can send a check by trusty snail, payable to DREDF; write ArnieVille on the memo line and mail it to 2212 Sixth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710. 

Our most pressing need, in terms of goods & services: donated ASL interpreter services (we now have 3 deaf folks in our group). Please, please, please consider volunteering an hour or 2. Call DREDF to schedule your time: 644-2555. 

One last note. The reporter from the Daily Cal who came to our media event yesterday? She got so pumped, she's planning to join us & camp out at ArnieVille, as soon as she files her story. Ditto the reporter from the SF Public Press. Ditto the KPFA producer who interviewed us yesterday. ArnieVille is contagious, I tell you. Come on down & catch the spirit! 

A tent city has sprouted up for the second time in as many months on the median of a Berkeley street in protest of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed budget cuts to in-home support services, an organizer said today. 

"Arnieville" is made up of a couple dozen people camping out on the median near the intersection of Adeline and Russell streets to protest the proposed cuts, organizer Dan McMullan said. 

The group started camping out on June 21 and planned to stay at the intersection until Tuesday, McMullan said Saturday, but organizer Jean Stewart told the Planet on Sunday that there are now plans to extend the demonstration for an indefinite period because it's been so successful. They held a similar demonstration in May when Schwarzenegger made his latest budget proposal. 

The governor's proposal called for drastic cuts to in-home support services, which McMullan said would likely "put severely disabled people and elderly people in nursing homes instead of being able to stay in their own homes." 

McMullan, director of the Disabled People Outside Projects, said the tent city was a last resort after other actions brought no results. 

"We've tried marching, tried going to Sacramento, tried just about everything, but we're not getting any kind of results," he said. 

McMullan said dozens of people gather during the days at the intersection to take part in the demonstration, and a core group of about two dozen people sleep there in tents overnight. 

A large statue of Schwarzenegger was made and shown at the intersection along with other posters and signs expressing discontent with the proposed cuts, McMullan said. 

"We're the model of independent living throughout the entire world" and the governor "is tearing that apart," he said. 

Schwarzenegger's office was not immediately available for comment. 

According to Elizabeth Martinez, the court's designated media contact, the jury has gone home for the day at 4:00 p.m. and will resume deliberations at 8:30 a.m. on July 6th.  

AC Transit's board of directors has imposed a new contract on the bus agency's 1,600 union employees after talks on a new contract stalled.  

A three-year contract for bus drivers, mechanics and clerks expired on Wednesday and the board voted to impose a new contract Wednesday night because leaders of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 192 refused to make the concessions that management was seeking, according to Sam Singer, an outside spokesman for AC Transit.  

Singer said the bus agency, which serves parts of Alameda and Contra Costa counties, was seeking $15.7 million in labor cost savings to help close a projected $56 million funding gap for the two-year period ending June 30, 2011.  

But he said that during three months of contract negotiations that began in March, the union's offer was "nowhere close" to $15.7 million.  

ATU Local 192 lead negotiator Claudia Hudson couldn't be reached for comment Thursday. In a prepared statement, Hudson said the union offered $9 million in savings for the first year of a new contract with "substantial savings" in the second and third years.  

However, Singer said management believes that the concessions offered by the union only total $2 million to $3 million.  

Singer said the new contract imposed by the board saves $15.7 million by freezing wages as well as initiating work rule changes, co-pay policies for medical care and employee health insurance, and a two-tier pension plan.  

He said union employees "will continue to have excellent benefits and pensions but will have to make health insurance premium payments and co-pays."  

Singer said the district has taken other steps to reduce its budget gap by raising its fares, reducing its service and cutting management positions.  

He said that because an impasse has been declared, the union has the legal right to strike but hasn't announced any plans to do so at this point.  

AC Transit said in a statement, "The agency has advised all of its employees of the potential for a strike in the coming days or weeks and is poised to modify the district's operations should a strike occur."  

The union has filed a lawsuit seeking to have a judge order the bus agency to participate in binding arbitration. A hearing has been scheduled for July 16.  

But Singer said management believes that the union's suit will be dismissed because California courts have ruled that key financial decisions should be made by an elected board of directors instead of a non-elected third party such as an arbitrator.  

Singer said the new contract that's being imposed by the board goes into effect on July 18 and will remain in effect until an agreement is reached between management and the union.  

Prosecutor David Stein and defense attorney Michael Rains completed their closing arguments today in the trial of former BART police Officer Johannes Mehserle on a murder charge for the fatal shooting of unarmed passenger Oscar Grant III. 

A Los Angeles County Superior Court spokeswoman said Judge Robert Perry began giving jurors legal instructions before their lunch break and continued giving instructions when they came back to court. Video equipment was set up in the jury room at 1:15, and deliberations began at 1:40.  

Jurors are scheduled to leave at 4 p.m. today and come back to court at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. 

Rains has admitted that Mehserle shot and killed Grant, a 22-year-old Hayward man, at the Fruitvale station in Oakland shortly after 2 a.m. Jan. 1, 2009, after he and other officers responded to a report that there was a fight on a train. 

But Rains claims the shooting was an accident and Mehserle, 28, who's free on $3 million bail, meant to use his Taser stun gun on Grant. 

On Wednesday, Perry said jurors will have the option of convicting Mehserle of second-degree murder or the lesser charges of voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter. Jurors will also have the option of finding Mehserle not guilty of all charges. 

The legal instructions Perry is presenting today explain the differences between the various types of homicide charges jurors will consider. 

Back in Oakland, Mayor Ron Dellums and other community leaders will have a news conference at 1 p.m. to call for unity, peace and justice as the city awaits the verdict in Mehserle's trial. 

In a statement, Dellums said, "We are calling on every person in our community to stand together, united in our commitment to bring peace to our streets and economic opportunity to our neighborhoods." 

He said, "We acknowledge the anger and frustration that arises with the tragic loss of life in our community. That emotion needs to be expressed constructively and peacefully." 

Dellums said community leaders are encouraging people to channel their emotions in positive ways. 

He said community leaders will also discuss what other options are being considered no matter what the verdict is, such as a proposed federal civil rights investigation. 

The news conference will be held at Youth Uprising, located at 8711 MacArthur Blvd. in Oakland. 

Among those who are expected to participate are youth leaders, the Urban Peace Movement, Youth Uprising, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and faith leaders. 

An armed hit-and-run suspect was fatally shot by Berkeley police after he fired a gun at them Monday night, a police spokeswoman said today.  

The suspect, who has not yet been identified, was shot by the officers near the intersection of Eighth and Camellia streets in Berkeley, police Sgt. Mary Kusmiss said.  

Albany police had tried to stop the suspect, who was wanted in connection with a hit-and-run, at about 10:45 p.m. but he refused to pull over, sparking a chase that ended near Eighth and Jones streets in Berkeley where he jumped out of his silver Honda, Kusmiss said.  

Albany police requested emergency assistance from Berkeley police, and eight officers responded. The officers were in the process of setting up a perimeter when one of them spotted the suspect walking on the east sidewalk of Eighth Street near Camelia Street, according to Kusmiss.  

Three officers approached the suspect and asked him to stop. The officers noticed he had a semiautomatic pistol in his hand and ordered him to drop the weapon, she said.  

Instead, the suspect allegedly turned and fired at least two shots at the officers, who returned fire, Kusmiss said. The suspect was hit and died at the scene, Kusmiss said.  

No police officers were injured.  

The three officers involved in the shooting are being interviewed this afternoon by the Police Department and the Alameda County District Attorney's Office and will be placed on paid administrative leave, according to Kusmiss.  

The suspect's weapon was recovered near his body on the sidewalk, she said.  

Kusmiss said the suspect was not carrying any identification, so the Alameda County coroner's bureau will likely have to use fingerprints to confirm his identity. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday morning.  

The shooting happened right in front of Berkeley Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, according to church pastor the Rev. Brian Hunter. No church personnel witnessed it, he said.  

He said that to have a shooting in the neighborhood is "unheard of."  

"I've been here for almost 15, 16 years, and there's nothing that's ever happened like this in this area," he said. "This is very, very rare."  

Kusmiss thanked a handful of people in the neighborhood who witnessed the shooting and came forward to provide statements to police.  

The witnesses "provided really important valuable info for the investigation," she said. "We're grateful in any crime when community members participate and we can work together."  

A controversial item on Tuesday’s Berkeley City Council Agenda has the innocuous subject line “ Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Allow Development Flexibility for Existing Public Libraries”.It’s even on the consent calendar, a try for easy passage without discussion.Here’s what it means: “ to allow (1) existing public libraries to be changed, expanded, or demolished and a new public library constructed, and (2) modification of any Zoning Ordinance requirement applicable to such projects with a Use Permit, rather than a Variance.” [emphasis added] The Public Library Users’ Association is up in arms, since the ballot measure to provide funding for what now looks like two brand new libraries said not a word about demolition, and also, they say, plans call for fewer books in the new buildings.Development Flexibility, for sure. 

Department of Spending: “RECOMMENDATION--Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract and any amendments with the Downtown Berkeley YMCA in the amount of $231,012 for fitness center memberships for City employees for the period July 1, 2010 through June 30,2011. (Meanwhile, the city’s contract with the invaluable NewsScan, about $20k a year, has been cancelled, supposedly to save money.) 

The city staff also wants to buy some spiffy new trash cans, on credit, of course: “Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Arata Equipment Company for the purchase of 31,000 curbside carts for the residential recycling program, at a cost not to exceed $2,507,310; and executing a Schedule to a Master Equipment Lease/Purchase Agreement to purchase and make annual lease payments for the curbside recycling carts with Banc of America Public Capital Corp. for an annual lease payment not to exceed $410,000 to be paid over seven years at a not-to-exceed interest rate of 3.50%, with a first payment commencing no later than January 1, 2011.”
These are just a few of the highlights.For the full story, see the agenda, and watch the whole show online on Tuesday.

The Berkeley City Council will be presented with three competing versions of what might be a new Downtown Plan Tuesday night, if all goes according to the published agenda: Here’s what they’ll be trying to do. 

14. New 2010 Downtown Area Plan
a.From: Mayor Bates and Councilmembers Moore, Capitelli and Maio (PDF)
Recommendation:
1) Discuss the placement on the 2010 Ballot of a measure for voter approval adopting a Green Vision for the downtown, designating the Downtown Plan Area, adopting certain policies for the downtown, and stating the voters’ intention that the Council adopt a Downtown Area Plan that implements that green vision and voter-adopted policies and,
2) Direct the City Manager to return with necessary CEQA Resolutions for final action on July 6, 2010.
Financial Implications: Unknown
Contact: Tom Bates, Mayor, 981-7100 

b.From: Planning Commission (PDF)
Recommendation: Provide direction to staff as to any modifications to the draft of the New 2010 Downtown Area Plan, by working from Planning Commission’s draft DAP recommendations and noting changes desired by the Council. At Council’s request, Planning Commission’s draft DAP focuses only on goals, policies, and key development standards/actions, to provide a more accessible ballot-friendly Plan. In providing direction to staff, the Council should note staff’s preliminary analysis as to the adequacy of the 2009 DAP EIR, specifically that additional CEQA-related analysis and findings will be needed if the DAP is placed on the ballot. Staff will return in July for further Council discussion and possible action.
Financial Implications: See report
Contact: Dan Marks, Planning and Development, 981-7400 

c.From: Councilmember Arreguin (PDF)
Recommendation: Place the community-developed Downtown Area Plan on the November 2010 ballot for voter approval.
Financial Implications: Unknown
Contact: Jesse Arreguin, Councilmember, District 4, 981-7140 

And the one which represents the two years or more that a citizens' commission, DAPAC, put into drafting, as updated by members of the DAPAC majority, is up for discussion as 14c. 

How the decision will be made is anybody's guess.The council recess starts mid-July, so councilmembers need to make up their minds by then. 

When UC Berkeley planned the “On the Same Page” project to request first year students provide DNA for analysis and subsequent discussion it is doubtful anyone anticipated the vigor of public reaction. One concern cited was is the accuracy of the genetic testing kits and that the testing technology under scrutiny of the FDA. 

The reality is that accurate genetic testing technology was established some time ago. Currently DNA is collected from convicted offenders, analyzed, and profiled electronically in all 50 states. Typically labs analyzing offender DNA use a pre-assembled set of reagents that allows the lab to conduct a standard DNA extraction, quantitation or amplification. For the “On the Same Page” project the research scientist will probably run a standard set of reagents, but only report the results for folic acid, lactose and alcohol metabolism to students.  

The scientist will still have the entire DNA profile for each student submitting a sample. The idea that the students' DNA samples will be destroyed after analysis is disingenuous. It is the DNA profile which is derived from the DNA analysis that is key. In 1994 the FBI was authorized to create an offender DNA database, the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), to contain offender DNA profiles from across the country. States do not submit offender DNA samples to CODIS, but the DNA analysis profile. 

The States also store all offender DNA profiles electronically for access by law enforcement and criminal justice agencies. Research scientists can also gain access to offender profiles. Scientists carried out a familial/kinship study in 2005 to identify offenders based on their DNA who are related, but may not know each other. "Finding Criminals Through DNA of their Relatives," was published May 11, 2006 in Science Express. The results described in a Berkeley Memo to the Media: “ We may not be our brother's keeper, but our brother's DNA could help land us in jail...investigators could reap a significant boost in leads if they were to use DNA kinship analysis methods to search offender DNA databases to aid in locating potential criminal suspects that use matching DNA samples from other databases.” 

Kinship searching of the offender database can help catch a novice criminal, who is not himself in the database, through his brother or father who is a cataloged offender," says Charles Brenner, a visiting scholar in the Forensic Science Group at UC Berkeley's School of Public Health and one of the authors of the report. Does this mean that the first year student DNA could be analyzed for a offender kinship study? Yes, for the “On the Same Page” project the collected DNA data is considered anonymous which was approved by the UC Berkeley Committee for Protection of Human Subjects. 

Any Berkeley scientist is now able to propose research to the UC Berkeley Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects and request an exemption from review based on 45 Code of Federal Regulations Part 46 Protection of Human Subjects 101(b)(4) “Research involving the study of existing...specimens...in such a manner that subjects cannot be identified...”. 

One would expect and hope that UC Berkeley would ensure human subject protection is in place for its students who take part in this project and should be the responsibility of the UC Berkeley Committee for the Protection of Humans Subjects. Unfortunately the UC Berkeley Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects has for some time fail to adequately administer the UC Berkeley human subject protection program and is currently undergoing a site visit audit by investigators from Washington for the Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Human Research Protection regarding serious violations of the Federal Regulations for the Protection of Human Subjects. 

Interesting irony should the federal audit become a criminal investigation and a CPHS administrator is convicted of wrongdoing and required to give a DNA sample. UC Berkeley should replace the “On the Same Page” DNA testing project with a project about the ethical conduct of DNA research. 

So, the dust has finally settled around here. Mike O’Malley (heretofore “The Publisher”, now “Chief Technical Officer”) and I are more or less smoothly ensconced in the routine of online publishing.Because we have been advised by our lawyer to wait and see what taxes the Berkeley Daily Planet LLC might owe (after our payroll service absconded with payments intended for the state and federal governments) we’ve been working for free (which is fine with us) without employees (somewhat harder).. In the past couple of months, we’ve been gratefully publishing work contributed by public-spirited Berkeleyans, both professional journalists and passionate amateurs, who haven’t been paid either. Now it’s time to ask the readers for their help in improving what’s here. 

We’ve been very pleased with the success of one new idea, creating printable pages (“PDFs”) from the online copy.These PDFs are posted every week on the website so that anyone can print them out on standard computer printers.Greg Tomeoni and the other clever civic-minded people at Copy Central on Solano have availed themselves of the opportunity and are printing and distributing paper Planets for a nominal charge to cover their costs at several locations around town. 

Now we are equally pleased to announce that we’ve gotten the help of the William James Association as a fiscal sponsor of a new non-profit Fund for Local Reporting, which has the specific goal of paying independent freelance journalists to cover hard news about matters of local importance for the urban East Bay, with a focus on Berkeley. 

What is all too often ignored in the stampede to online publication is the question of who pays for newsgathering.It’s far and away the most expensive part of news publishing, with the cost of either printing or web publication far behind.Or rather, it should be the major investment, but all too often it isn’t. 

Increasingly, publications are doing little more than taking in each other’s laundry.The same soft feature may be published three times: in a local blog, in a metro paper, and finally in a national paper—and meanwhile the hard news goes unreported by any of them.Some online news sites rely heavily on links to other sites, but all that means is that a vanishingly small number of original stories are endlessly republished, and there’s still almost no real reporting being done. 

We were proud, last week, to be part of a joint project orchestrated with a long list of small publications by the very worthwhile organization Spot.Us in which investigative reporter Peter Byrne uncovered what looks like serious conflicts of interest on U.C.’s Board of Regents. This kind of collaboration works well for a story of statewide or regional interest, but is not as useful for covering small cities like Berkeley.  

Advertisers are by and large no longer interested in local news sources, if they ever were.Many publications have experimented with various forms of subscriptions and pay-per-view schemes, but so far none have worked at any level. It seems clear that if local citizens want real coverage of local hard news, they’re just going to have to pay for it themselves. 

That’s where the Fund for Local Reporting comes in.In the last year of the printed Berkeley Daily Planet, readers contributed almost $50,000 in a vain attempt to save it, which was much appreciated.Since the Berkeley Daily Planet LLC was not a non-profit, these contributions weren’t even deductable for the donors, which makes their gifts even more impressive. 

It’s clear that there’s strong continuing interest in Berkeley in some form of local “paper”, whether online or in print.Since we went online, we’ve been offering free subscriptions, and so far at least 700 people or households have subscribed.Now we’re asking Planet fans to think about whether they can offer tax-deductible financial backing to the FLR. 

Contributions will go directly into the pockets of the reporters, with the William James Association taking only a small percentage to cover their administrative costs. The berkeleydailyplanet.com website will serve as a free means of distributing the news stories funded by the FLR. The articles produced by independent reporters will be published first on this site, and can be picked up from there by other publications at no charge, either to link online or to copy for distribution in any form. Mike and I will continue to maintain the site without payment, and will work with independent journalists on assignments, editing as needed, and providing technical support. 

The Planet will also continue to be an open forum for ideas of all kinds, as it has in the past. No FLR funds will go to pay for opinion pieces or to support candidates for office.We will continue to welcome articles and graphics of all kinds freely contributed in the public interest.  

How can you contribute to the Fund for Local Reporting? 

1) You can send a check, cash or money order to: 

Fund for Local Reporting
c/o William James Association
P.O. Box 1632
Santa Cruz, CA 95061 

or 

2) You can contribute securely online with a credit card using Google Checkout by clicking on the “Fund for Local Reporting” button at the right side of this page. 

The amount of money raised for this fund will determine how much news of local interest you’ll see in this space in the future.It’s really up to you, our readers, to decide. 

P.S.: Many readers will wonder if this is a first step toward resuming full-scale newsprint publication.Until our peculiar tax problems have been resolved, which could take years, Mike and I can’t be part of funding such an effort.The print-on-demand plan is working well with no help from us, so that’s probably the solution for dedicated print junkies in the near future at least.Here’s where you can now pick up printed copies in return for a small donation.: 

Tangerine Food Bar – 1707 Solano Ave
Harmonique Home – 1820 Solano Ave
Mo Joe Café – 2517 Sacramento St
7 Eleven – 1540 Solano Ave
Payn’s Stationary – 1791 Solano Ave
Copy Central – 1553 Solano Ave
Redwood Gardens Co-Op – 2951 Derby St
Berkeley Public Library – Shattuck & Kittredge

Walgreens Wants to Sell Beer and Wine; Supreme Angst;Wall Street Reform;Corporate Takeover; Take Down the Wall;Measure C Vote Explained; 

CEAC To Look at Restaurant Smoke;Obama Sacks McChrystal;Petraeus Replaces McChrystal;Think About It; Capitelli Letter;Obama’s War 

Walgreens Wants to Sell Beer and Wine 

I live on Oregon St near Berkeley Bowl and Walgreens. 

I thought you might be interested to know that Walgreens attorneys are having ameeting tonight, June 29th, at the Shattuck Hotel at 7pm.with neighbors (they’re only required to notify people within1000ftof the store) regarding a request to sell beer and wine. 

I know there are many neighbors in our area that are opposed to this. It isinteresting to note that there are many outlets to buy wine and beer in ourarea although the majority of them close relatively early. Walgreens is opentil 12am and no doubt will do the overwhelming majority of business afterBerkeley Bowl closes (between 8pm and 12am). 

Our neighborhood has enoughproblems as it is and having late alcohol sales does not seem wise and justexposes us to more treacherous conditions. 

Cindy Pascarello 

Supreme Angst 

The Supreme Court ruling of yesterday that effectively stated there can be no banning of guns by the government doesn’t make me feel safer at night. It doesn’t reduce the anxiety I feel when stepping out my front door, either. 

On the contrary, it is a ruling that raises my anxiety level. I am sure that many American citizens feel that way who, like I, will not be among the ones to start toting a firearm. 

As we can see, George Bush, by his ultra conservative appointments to the Supreme Court, has left an indelible mark on the face of our country, and it isn’t a pretty one. 

While I sympathize with people in high crime areas who would like to be able to protect themselves, I am sure that there must be a better way. I would rather leave it up to police and the military to do the gun carrying as they have had screening and training to do so, and are also held accountable for the consequences of their behavior. 

By ruling that any citizen has a right to carry a gun, (or, for that matter, why not a machete or a grenade?) it makes every citizen subject to an all pervasive terrorization that we could be mortal victims of someone’s bad day. 

There are numerous ways that a conscientious person can defend him- or herself including outwitting an enemy as opposed to the use of force. Allowing such a weapon into the hands of all citizens is unnecessary and it will lead to atrocities on our streets. It was not necessary for the Supreme Court to make this ruling. 

Can Supreme Court judges be impeached? Or what is the procedure for removing a bad one from office? 

Wall Street Reform 

Your Paper needs to drum into its readers' heads the dire need for Wall Street REFORM - and support of our Government's proposed legislation. 

All of us need credit card and mortgage companies to be forced not to have hidden fees or pages and pages of fine print. 

The legislation cracks down on predatory lenders looking to mislead people into taking on irresponsible debt. 

Wall Street reform establishes an independent agency -- the Consumer Financial Protection Agency -- with one job: to protect consumers and enforce the new consumer financial protections, which would be the strongest ever enacted. 

Finally, American taxpayers must never again be asked to bail out the big banks that are "too big to fail." 

Corporate Takeover 

We must stop the insidious and ubiquitous corporate take-over of our elected officials, as well as our elections. 

Let's overrule inhumane corporate greed with our unified power, intelligence and generosity toward one another. 

Wall Street Reform 

...is needed now. To hell with these corporations running America. Small businesses are still the largest employers. Down with Wall Street and up with MAIN STREET!!! Give Obama whatever he needs!.. 

Take Down the Wall 

There is an economic wall in this country between those who have abused their positions on Wall Street for gain and those of us on the other side: the everyday citizens of our nation and the economy at large. That greedy wall is still crushing us. Wall Street Reform is desperately needed to stabilize our economy and help everyday people get back their homes, retire, and be able to send their kids to college. Small businesses and community banks that have integrity and play by the rules should be able to thrive. We need consumer protection and no more bailing out of big banks who got us in this mess. 

Measure C Vote Explained 

Measure C went down in flames not because of a secret cabal of hidden republicanism in Berkeley but because the "progressive" groupthink that dominates Berkeley politics can't do simple math. They wrote a mathematically inept bond and then attributed the failure to a political party that doesn't exist in the City. 

The math clearly states(as a previous editorial elaborates) that only 5% of residents are registered under the party of doom. The rest are Democrats or "other." The other parties usually assign the traditional Democratic Party the title of "fascist" anyway... 

What it sounds like is a total failure of the Berkeley Democratic party to rally their own troops. 

Or maybe a minority of the Democrats, Libertarians, Peace and Freedoms, Greens et al actually saw how BADLY this measure was written by the dunces at City Hall and canned the measure on its own merits. 

Kriss Worthington, the Mayor and the others need to stop trying to find hidden bogeymen and acknowledge the fact that they are politically lazy and act entitled. Ingenuity is needed in these economically devastating times- I suggest they dredge it up next go-around. 

CEAC To Look at Restaurant Smoke 

The City of Berkeley Community Environmental Advisory Commission will be looking into the issue of food smoke from small restaurants (under 400 lbs. of meat/week)and would like to hear from members of the community: those affected by smoke from restaurants, owners and managers of small restaurants, and any other stakeholders. 

Please join us on Thursday, July 1 from 7-9PM at2118 Milvia Street,1st floor.Contact Nabil Al-Hadithy,or (510) 981-7461. 

Greg Leventis 

Chair 

Obama Sacks McChrystal 

I applaud Obama's sacking of Gen. McChrystal. We don't need a cowboy with no respect for civilian control of the military running the show in Afghanistan. However, littlemention is made in the media about hisactive role in creating the impression that Cpl. Pat Tillman had died at the hands of Taliban fighters instead of beingaccidentally killed by his own troops. He signed off on a falsified recommendation for a Silver Star that suggested Tillman had been killed by enemy fire. Tillman's mother, Mary, in her bookBoots on the Ground by Duskwrote thatMcChrystal got away with it because he was the "golden boy" of Rumsfeld and Bush. Nine days after Tillman's death, McChrystal was promoted to major general. 

McChrystal was also involved in a scandal involving detainee abuse and torture at Camp Nama in Iraq. According to a report by Human Rights Watch, prisoners at the camp were subjected to abuse, including stress positions and being dragged naked through the mud. McChrystal was not disciplined in the scandal, even though an interrogator at the camp reported seeing him inspect the prison multiple times. 

Why did the media and Congress give him a pass during his confirmation hearings? Instead, he was sent torun the war in Afghanistan. 

Petraeus Replaces McChrystal 

When will the U.S. finally concede that the Afghanistan war is unwinable no matter what general is in charge? We are and always will be an occupation force resented by the local populace. The U.S cannot force change. We imposed a corrupt, unpopular Karzai government on the country. Change will only come from within, but not by a Karzai-led government. We are only fighting Taliban tentacles in Afghanistan while the head is located in remote parts of Pakistan, an unreliable ally. Meanwhile we are sacrificing precious lives and wasting billions of dollars. As the late Senator George Aiken said to Lyndon Johnson about the Vietnam war, "You must declare victory, and get out [now]." 

Think About It 

I wonder how many of the dedicated volunteers who helped saving a pelican from the deadly Gulf oil have other birds for dinner or at a local fast-food outlet. 

They are not alone. Most people are appalled by the devastation of animal life by the Gulf oil spill, yet subsidize the systematic killing of other animals for their dinner table. They know that meat and dairy harm the environment and their family’s health, but compartmentalize this knowledge when shopping for food. 

And it goes beyond dietary flaws. We tolerate the killing of innocent people when our government and media label them terrorists; We ignore the suffering and starvation of a billion people, except when our government and media tell us to care because an earthquake or tsunami has struck. 

Our society would benefit greatly from more original thinkers, and our personal diet is a great place to start. 

Capitelli Letter 

This letter is in response to that of Mr. Burnstein regarding the decision of Mr. Capitelli to reconsider introducing a resolution regarding the illegal blockade runners to Gaza starting a brouhaha with the Israelis which resulted in the death of 9 of the rioting blockade runners. The issues of the Arab-Israeli conflict are diverse, complex, long standing issues of international policy and, locally, controversial. Mr. Capitelli showed good judgment by withdrawing the divisive and factually inaccurate resolution from consideration by the Berkeley City Council. The people of Berkeley are best served by having their elected officials focus on the issues that might improve Berkeley, rather making poorly coinsidered foriegn policy statements. 

Once upon a time, Palestinians were known for hijacking planes. Now it seems that the Palestinians and they and their terribly naive apologists have switched to hijacking the politcal agendas and priorities of others. Perhaps Mr. Burnstein, not everyone in Berkeley WANTS to have these particular opinions inflicted upon them, like it or not, as a matter of city policy. 

Obama’s War 

Obama basically continued with Bush’s policies. Let’s be blunt about this. In Afghanistan, he went beyond Bush. He escalated the war. He went along with this policy of the surge. And he ordered more drone attacks on civilians in Pakistan in his one year in office than Bush had done during his last term. So, for the people of that region, Obama’s presidency has been a total disaster. And it’s not working. 

They have a puppet leader, Karzai, who’s developing his own sort of dynamic, because he’s grown very wealthy through corruption and thinks that he has genuine support. 

One man's terrorist is another's freedom fighter, and what some governments consider potential terrorists are simply those who don't agree with government policies.  

And the ones who are saying that this is an unwinnable war are absolutely right. It’s a stalemated war. They can’t win it unless they destroy half the population of the country. So that is what people see. And then, why are they surprised that people are so hostile to the United States in that part of the world?  

Memorial Day is trumpeted as a day “to honor the memory of America’s Fallen.” But rather than live up to that lofty goal, the Pentagon routinely falls short, lapsing into cosmetic rituals and empty rhetoric with volleys of ceremonial gunshots followed by volleys of commemorative clichés. 

In public speeches, editorials and the Pentagon’s own Website, the rhetoric of sacrifice is rife with euphemism. The uniformed victims of war are always “heroes” (even though many of them died screaming in pain and begging God to let them live). They are “fallen soldiers” (which suggests mere misstep followed by a clean, almost balletic death — even though they may have been blown to bits or burned beyond recognition). They always “gave their lives” (when the fact is, there lives were taken from them. It would be more honest — and ironic — to note that suicide bombers “give their lives.” In contrast, most American soldiers hope to return alive and intact to a welcome from their families back home.) 

But the worst offense — and one that gives the lie to the military’s empty prose — is the fact that, even on Memorial Day, the Pentagon’s Web site carries no comprehensive list of the names of the 5,400-plus men and women killed during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. 

How did the Defense (another euphemism) Department choose to celebrate May 31? The Pentagon’s Memorial Day edition featured a message from Secretary Gates and two stories on the ritual placing of flags — one ceremony at Arlington and another at a cemetery in Syracuse. Although there were links to “Memorial Day History” and “Arlington National Cemetery,” there were no links to any list acknowledging the names of the soldiers that the Pentagon and the White House were urging us all to “remember.” The names were not to be seen. The reality of these sacrifices remained invisible, safely sealed behind comforting platitudes. As far as the Pentagon is concerned, these “Fallen Heroes” appear to be better off forgotten. 

True, the Pentagon provides a Daily Casualty Report, but the information is sketchy, at best, and often fails to offer an exact cause of death, explaining that the incident is “under investigation.” Each day, a new short-list appears, but there is no aggregation of the mounting human loss. 

Instead of actually “honoring the dead,” the Pentagon’s Memorial Day Web page featured a story about the nation preparing to “pay tribute to fallen service members” by planting flags. Visitors were invited to “Observe a moment of silence at 3 p.m.” and “find ways to volunteer in your area to help the military and veterans.”Of the three “Memorial Day Events” that comprised the totality of the day’s featured news, one story reported how “Girl Scouts Learn Price of Freedom” by planting 2,000 American flags at a military cemetery under the tutelage of the American Legion. The accompanying photo showed three typically overweight American teen girls teaming up to push a single flag into the sod. (More details were available by clicking on a link to the “Family Matters Blog.”) 

The second story reported Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates’ visit to a flag-planting ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The very act of planting flags, of course, serves as a distraction — calling attention away from the chilling message of the gravestones to the fluttering of tiny flags placed strategically in front of the markers bearing the names of the dead. If the dead were truly being honored for “protecting the flag,” it would make more sense to place the flags behind the tombstones. Apparently, the convenient political practice of “hiding behind the flag” continues, yea, unto death. 

The final story proudly touted how “America’s senior military officer,” US Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, interrupted his busy schedule and “took time out… to stress the importance of [the soldiers’] sacrifice.” Speaking to hundreds of families of dead soldiers at the “15^th Annual Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors National Military Survivor Seminar” in Crystal City, Virginia, Mullen claimed our country was “blessed” by being the “best country that’s ever been, because of the service of those who raised their right hand and went off to do their nation’s bidding.” 

Mullen assured the suffering survivors that the Pentagon would “never forget the sacrifice that your loved ones have made” and promised “to have your needs met: to be supported for the rest of your lives.” As evidence of the Pentagon’s concern with the unmet needs of the survivors, Mullen’s appearance was designed to coincide with the grand opening of a nearby therapy camp for the children of slain soldiers. Perhaps in homage to the comic strip Peanuts and Charlie Brown, the Pentagon has dubbed the children’s therapy center “Good Grief Camp.” 

The Pentagon’s Memorial Day page made no mention of wars other survivors — the 38,000 veterans who returned home disfigured and incapacitated by grievous wounds. [Note: Anti-war.com estimates the number of US wounded may approach 100,000.] Nor did the Pentagon memorialize the estimated 320,000 combat soldiers who suffer from traumatic brain injuries. Nor was their mention of the fact that our veterans are killing themselves at a rate of 18 suicides a day. These deaths are clearly war-related but the names of these “fallen” are not entered in the roll call of official “war heroes.” The “ultimate sacrifice” these soldiers and their families experience earns them no special mention on the walls of the Pentagon or on the stones of Arlington. These “fallen service members” will not be officially honored or remembered on this Memorial Day. 

For Americans interested in truly“remembering the fallen,” there are many alternatives to the Pentagon’s Daily Casualty Releases. AntiWar.com offers a list of “Casualties in Iraq” and “Casualties in Afghanistan” presented under the rubric of “The Human Cost of Occupation.” AntiWar.com also offers estimates on the number of military contractors, academics, journalists, and civilians that have been killed in these two wars. These human losses (as well as the hundreds of thousands of Iraqi, Afghani and Pakistani civilians killed) also need to be remembered on Memorial Day. Other resources include the venerable Iraq Body Count, Icausalties.org, Cost of War and the BBC. 

The major TV networks have occasionally featured photos of soldiers who have recently “made the ultimate sacrifice,” but it is the Washington Post that comes closest to matching Memorial Day’s challenge to “never forget” the many men and women who have died “in their country’s service.” The Post’s sobering “Faces of the Fallen,” provides an online list of the all the wars’ dead with names and photos. 

The Post’s example is one that the Pentagon would be well served to match. Meanwhile, enquiries asking why the Pentagon has so far failed to post a detailed and comprehensive list of all of our “fallen,” has gone unanswered. 

Gar Smith is a prizewinning investigative journalist, magazine editor and co-founder of Environmentalists Against War. This article was originally written for Memorial Day, but since the author was travelling it has arrived instead for July 4^th.

Ordinarily it would suffice to allow the Michael Vick case to recede into a state of distant memory except that a Forbes magazine poll and the surfacing of a horrific video of a 2002 police murder of an African American youth insist that we revisit both incidents. 

Recently Forbes magazine, the gatekeeper and chronicler of corporate culture, felt compelled to inform us that according to their yearly poll Michael Vick remains, for the second year in a row, America’s most detested athlete. Apparently white folks refuse to forgive and forget. Oakland Raider’s owner Al Davis, NFL quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and golfer Tiger Woods round out the top five. 

NFL quarterback Vick, readers will remember, was sentenced to 21 months in prison and rendered bankrupt after pleading guilty in 2007 of participating in an interstate scheme to engage in dog fighting. 

Obviously Vick, a young African American millionaire had violated societies boundaries engaging in the long discredited sport of dog fighting. In the run up to his trial, however, mainline media heaped hatred and scorn on Vick to the point one would have thought America’s devil incarnate, Osama Bin Laden, had been brought to justice. 

Black talking head for ESPN and the Washington Post Michael Wilbon labeled Vick’s crime as “heinous,” a word that has become the second most overused word in relation to crime, genocide being the first most overused word. The reasoning here is that if everything is heinous then nothing is not heinous. 

Not that long ago mass murderer Ted Bundy was said to have committed heinous crimes. Today a young black man who bankrolled a dog fighting scheme is held to the same standard of hatred. To her undying credit comic Whoopi Goldberg was one of the very few public personalities who decried the racism involved in the public persecution of Vick. 

But why, other than the Forbes magazine poll, revisit this desultory incident? Answer: the Deondre Brunston murder. 

Deondre Brunston was a 24 year old youth living in Compton, Ca. After a domestic dispute his girlfriend called the police. 

In a filmed interview Deondre’s aunt, Keisha Brunston explained what happened next. 

According to Brunston, after police arrived and confronted Deondre things quickly escalated. Reportedly Deondre, for whatever reason told police he was wanted for murder and that he was armed. Neither claim turned out to be true, but neither did police attempt to learn the truth. 

What we see next in the video provided below is Deondre sitting on a porch communicating with police. Suddenly a police dog charges him and police open fire. Brunston was hit 22 times and flopped around like Bonnie and Clyde in the Sam Peckinpah film. By mistake the police also shot the dog. The police then rushed to embrace the dogrushed it to a helicopter and it was flown presumably to an animal hospital where it later expired. Meanwhile, steam rising from his chest, Brunston is ignored, not even examined, never provided the least bit of assistance, nor is any attempt made to determine if he is even alive. Police simply put up the yellow tape and ignore the apparently lifeless body. 

Later police said that what they believed to have been a handgun in Deondre’s waist was actually a flip-flop sandal. 

The lessons provided in theses two relatively recent episodes are clear and unambiguous. In many respects little has changed since the days of slavery-a dogs life is worth more than someone’s who is perceived to be a jobless black man. 

However curious, white America’s elevation of dogs to the iconic status of best friend is nothing new. 

In the late 1930’s Warner Bros. film mogul Harry Warner testified before congress to protest its refusal to allow the studio to produce and distribute a film about the construction of concentration camps in Germany. Congress was concerned the film would alienate Germany, at that time a fond trading partner. 

“If 500 dogs a day were being killed Americans would be up in arms,” wailed Warner. 

Since the days of the German concentration camps and WWII white Americans have prided themselves and constructed a grand illusion that they were the ones who by themselves defeated Nazi Germany and solely were responsible for the liberation of the death camps. 

This is a great fiction of course because the turning point of the war in Europe took place at Stalingrad and the outcome of the war had already been determined before the Normandy invasion took place. 

The point of all this is that to a great degree many white US citizens live a delusional reality that allows them to think fairness and justice prevail when a black youth is sent to prison for dog fighting and the same justice and fairness prevail when another black youth is horrendously murdered. The truth is that just as most white Americans didn’t protest the construction of death camps few protest today when the police walk around with blood on their hands, accountable to no one. 

Judge for yourself. The Deondre Brunston video is at: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akvtGcH_djs

Latest issue of the Pepper Spray Times.

Keds’ new-fangled line of sneakers called 'Tibetan Buddhist Shoes' bearing images of the Dalai Lama, the Buddha, holy mantras, Tibetan national flag and other sacred images is a gross denigration of the faith which has millions of followers around the globe! 

The disparaging act of Keds’ consumerist attitude has hurt the sentiments of millions of Buddhists around the globe with its new line of “Colorful and Beautiful” canvas shoes .Keds’ blatant attempt to capitalize on the growing ‘fad’ for Buddhism & reverence for the Dalai Lama in the West failed to gauge the consequences of its myopic vision, which was the result of its profit-centric, market driven strategy and greed for easy and quick bucks! It has nauseatingly overlooked the importance of respecting the values and ideals of the faith which has a growing follower’s world over during this time of crises of all sorts in the history of mankind! This is how Keds’ chose to reward the Holy Man who tirelessly travels across the globe to preach global peace and universal harmony! 

As rightly pointed out by one of my fellow Buddhist brothers - Bhuchung D. Sonam - “ We live in a 24x7 interconnected world where information is available at finger's click. Thus people at Keds cannot feign ignorance about these sacred images and their importance in Buddhist culture and their roles in the practice of the dharma. Hence Keds’ Buddhist shoes are affront to Tibetans and a total disregard to their cultural values”. In the Buddhist context, Keds has committed an unpardonable sin by taking the sacred images of Buddha, the Dalai Lama and the holy Buddhist scripts out from their rightful places to the grubby American feet and neon-lit streets. With this single act of sacrilege and blasphemy, Keds has invited the wrath of the irate deities and would inescapably earn bad karmas for the future of its much treasured company. 

Instances like this is not uncommon to the common men. In the recent past, the famed Indian painter M.F.Hussain had to face the wrath of the Indian Hindus for his paintings that allegedly denigrated the Hindu gods and goddesses. The irate and the devout Hindus charged against him as “in the name of artistic freedom Hussain had painted Hindu gods and goddesses in a manner, which deeply hurt the sentiments and sensibilities of patriotic Indians”. Apart from a complete ban on his paintings in India, Hussain had to flee home to Qatar on a self-imposed exile for the fear of his life. This clearly, like Keds’, is the consequence of the myopic vision Hussain was cursed with when he used his “creative freedom” at the cost of others! 

Also, not so long time ago, we were all inundated and fed by the headlines and controversy surrounding the controversial Danish cartoon on Prophet Muhammad. At that time the news piece that most of us read and re- read went something like this - Much ink and, unfortunately, some blood has already been spilled over the Danish cartoon controversy. The controversy burst ‘out of proportion’ to the extent that it had claimed some precious lives in the crossfire that ensued. The Danish editors should have known—in fact did know—that the drawings would provoke an outcry in the Muslim world. However, again like Keds’, the editor saab somehow overlooked the consequence and eventually ended up paying a heavy price! 

There are instances in the past as well about Christians suing art gallery over ‘blasphemous’ statutes of Jesus Christ. To share with you one instance, the sculpture of Christ with an erection by a Chinese artist Terence Koh was charged with denigrating Christ and outraging public decency. Emily Mapfuwa, a 40-year-old Christian who was offended by the artwork, launched a private prosecution against the gallery for outraging public decency and causing harassment, alarm and distress to the public. Mapfuwa argued that the Baltic would not have dared depict the prophet Muhammad in such a way. But the Christian Legal Centre - an organization that aims to "promote and protect the biblical freedoms of Christian believers in the United Kingdom" - agreed to pay her legal costs! 

Unlike people from other respectable creed, the Buddhists may be inherently grounded in the philosophy of Ahimsa and non-violence, but that doesn’t mean we are less human beings and thus less sentimental. The dishonorable precedent set by Keds would not only provoke Buddhist brothers and sisters, but it will also stir the sentiments of every sane religious practitioner of all the faiths in the world .As a self-effacing and a humble Buddhist myself, I forewarn Keds not to tread on the dirty path lest it should face a similar consequence meted out to the culprits as cited in the above instances. While I beseech and implore to the brand vultures at the Keds not to hurt the sentiments of the millions of Buddhist the world over, I urge my fellow Buddhist and Tibetans, especially in America, to call it quits for all that Keds has to offer for you to cover up your ‘unholy’ feet with their ‘holy canvas shoes’!

Crazy talk about the Middle East seems to be escalating, backed up by some pretty ominous military deployments. First, the department of scary statements: 

First up, Shabtai Shavit, former chief of the Israeli spy agency Mossad, speaking June 21 at Bar Ilan University, Tel Aviv on why Israel should launch a pre-emptive strike at Iran: “I am of the opinion that, since there is an ongoing war, since the threat is permanent, since the intention of the enemy in this case is to annihilate you, the right doctrine is one of presumption and not retaliation.” 

Second up, Uzi Arad, Israeli prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s national security advisor, speaking before the Jewish Agency in Jerusalem June 22 on his belief that the “international community” would support an Israeli strike at Iran” “I don’t see anyone who questions the legality of this or the legitimacy.” 

Third up, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi speaking to reporters at the G-8 meeting in Toronto June 26: “Iran is not guaranteeing a peaceful production of nuclear power [so] the members of the G-8 are worried and believe absolutely that Israel will probably react preemptively.” 

Fourth up, Central Intelligence Director Leon Panetta predicting on ABC’s “This Week” program June 27 that Iran could have two nuclear weapons by 2012: “We think they [Iran] have enough low-enriched uranium for two weapons…and while there is continuing debate [within Iran] right now about whether or not they ought to proceed with a bomb…they clearly are developing their nuclear capacity.” He went on to say that the U.S. is sharing intelligence with Israelis and that Tel Aviv is “willing to give us the room to be able to try to change Iran diplomatically and culturally and politically.” 

A few points: 

1) Iran and Israel are not at war, a fact Shavit seems confused about. 

2) Since the recent rounds of sanctions aimed at Iran would have lost in the United Nations General Assembly, it unclear who Arad thinks is the “international community.” 

3) Berlusconi is a bit of a loose cannon, but he is tight with the Israelis. 

4) An Iran that is different “diplomatically and culturally and politically” sounds an awful lot like “regime change.” Is that the “room” Panetta is talking about? 

And it isn’t all talk. 

Following up the London Times report that Saudi Arabia had given Israel permission to fly through Saudi airspace to attack Iran, the Jerusalem Post, the Islam Times and the Iranian news agency Fars report that the Israeli air force has stockpiled equipment in the Saudi desert near Jordan. 

According to the Post supplies were unloaded June 18 and 19 outside the Saudi city of Tabuk, and all civilian flights into the area were canceled during the two day period.The Post said that an “anonymous American defense official” claimed that Mossad chief Meir Dagan was the contact man with Saudi Arabia and had briefed Netanyahu on the plans. 

The Gulf Daily News reported June 26 that Israel has moved warplanes to Georgia and Azerbaijan, which would greatly shorten the distance Israeli planes would have to fly to attack targets in northern Iran. 

The U.S currently has two aircraft carriers—the Truman and the Eisenhower—plus more than a dozen support vessels in the Gulf of Hormuz, the strategic choke point leading into the Gulf of Iran. 

The Saudis have vigorously denied the reports they are aiding the Israelis, and Shafeeq Ghabra, president of the American University of Kuwait, says “It would be impossible for the Saudis to allow an Israeli attack on Iran.” 

But Ephraim Inbar, director of the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies in Ramat Gan, Israel, argues that Saudi Arabia and Israel both fear a nuclear-armed Iran. “This bring us together on a strategic level in that we have common interests. Since the Arab world and Saudi Arabia understand that President Obama is a weak person, maybe they decided to facilitate this happening.” He also said the story might not be true because “I don’t think the Saudis want to burden themselves with this kind of cooperation with Israel.” 

According to military historian Martin van Creveld, a professor at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem,“The real fear is that someone will get carried away by his own rhetoric and fear mongering” and start a war. He also thinks, however, that Israel should not take a preemptive strike “off the table.” 

Trita Parsi of the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington argues that the escalation of rhetoric is dangerous. “When you have that kind of political environment, you are leaving yourself no space to find another solution,” she told the Christian Science Monitor. “You may very well end up in a situation where you are propelled to act, even though you understand it is an unwise action, but [do so] for political reasons.” 

The rhetoric is getting steamy, the weapons are moving into position, and it is beginning to feel like “The Guns of August” in the Middle East. 

Kudos to Peter Warfield’s Partisan Position, Monday, June 21, 2010 Planet: “Berkeley’s Branch Library Plans: Two Demolitions Instead of Renovation, Book Cuts and Permanent Changes to Zoning Variance Requirements.” 

I had watched and listened (Channel #33) as he did a courageous and articulate job, trying to get Council’s attention, ultimately being turned off.All the while gnashing my feminist, age-affirming teeth (and I have all of them.) I had already discovered that the power structure that sustains the BOLT (City of Berkeley Board of Library Trustees) eschews the presence on the Board, or among the public attending meetings, of professional librarians experienced with buildings and collection development. 

When I studied the proposed plan posted outside the North Branch library, I was stunned! I could not believe my eyes (yes, they’re good too)– no consideration whatsoever for the several specialized collections already existing at North but which have been constrained to such small spaces that I, foolishly it seems, assumed that they would flourish as a result of the renovation. 

Yes, I am concerned first and foremost with space for collections – mainly books and other printed materials. At North there is already recognition of the need for some of them. There are ‘starter’ spaces containing relatively few (no new adds) volumes of LARGE PRINT books in all genres, so called reference books (reference collection recently shrunk!), mysteries, books-in-Japanese, science fiction, New Books, LINK books, folios, ad infinitum. I foolishly anticipated provision designated for their continuance plus expansion. The shelving of the traditional (basic) fiction and nonfiction collections are already “tight.” 

And Warfield recognizes so well the speciousness, the historical dichotomy of a public library efficiently functioning with a one-for-all reference-service-circulation-information ‘desk.’ Ridiculous. 

So what does this all have to do with senior citizens (and residents of North Berkeley)? For starters, there are two senior citizens’ housing projects and one senior center within walking or a quick bus-ride distance. 

Many elders prefer North because they can park there, with or without a placard; there is an albeit limited LARGE PRINT books collection; they grew up there; they are comfy with the accessible, visible professional librarian seated at his/her Information desk that has an available seat right next to it; they aren’t necessarily computer-literate, etc. 

xxxx 

What a thrill to turn on the California TV channel and see and hear -- ‘live’ -- the Legislature honor Phyllis Lyon. It was the California Legislative LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) Caucus Awards Ceremony. Lesbian Activist Del Martin (1921-2008), with partner Phyllis Lyon, formed Daughters of Bilitis, one of the first lesbian organizations in the United States. 

On Monday June 14, 2010, the California Legislative LGBT Caucus hosted a special awards ceremony. The Legislature proclaimed June 2010 as LGBT Pride Month and celebrated the LGBT Community’s past accomplishments and contributions. The Assembly also honored LGBT individuals selected from across the state for their lifetime contributions and accomplishments in creating a better future for California and the United States.Sacramento’s Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now and long-time activist, was chosen to receive a lifetime achievement award along with other noted honorees. 

xxxx 

Departures (Okuribito) is a Japanese film rated PG-13 “for thematic material.” It is loosely based on Aoki Shinmon’s autobiographical book, Coffinman: The journal of a Buddhist Mortician. Death is a taboo subject in Japan. 

Okuribito, as I’ll refer to it, won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2009 Oscars. The dvd is in public libraries’ collections. The optional English subtitles are exceedingly well-done, wholeheartedly capturing the meaning behind the words, as well as in “good” English. 

Combine incredible scenic background (photographed in Sakata, Yamagata prefecture in northern Japan, on the Sea of Japan) and music by Joe Hisaishi, and you get 131 minutes of pure tenderness involving several elders. I especially like the Christmas Eve scene. 

Briefly, plotwise, Daigo Kobayashi is a cellist in a symphony orchestra that has been dissolved. His mother had left him her house; his father had abandoned the family but not before imbuing his son with a love of music, especially the cello. He decides to move back to his old hometown.Spouse Mika understands; she verges on, but is not quite passive. He answers a classified ad titled 'Departures' thinking it an advertisement for a travel agency, and discovers that the job is actually for a 'Nokanshi' or 'encoffineer,' a funeral professional who prepares bodies for burial and entry into the next life. 

Okuribito means a "sending person".The English title, Departures, is opposite in perspective. The movie is about those who survive after a beloved’s departure. While his wife and others have nothing but contempt for the job, Daigo takes a certain pride in his work and begins to perfect the art, acting as a gentle gatekeeper between life and death, between the departed and the family of the departed. My Japanese friend says, “I liked the movie, although many criticize it's too sentimental. Death is emotional, but not necessarily sentimental.” 

“Best” Awards of the Japanese Academy, 2009 were in every category -- actor, cinematography, director, editing, film, lighting, screenplay, sound. Best supporting actor was Tsutomu Yamazaki as Ikuei Sasaki, the old man who is Daigo’s new employer and mentor. Best supporting female actor was Kimiko Yo as Yuriko Kamimura, as the empathetic NK Agency employee. 

If you like tenderness with strength, especially when the aged are involved, you will enjoy Okuribito aka Departures. 

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

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

This week’s items: An online twist to OPD’s riot preparations; shootings at funerals and memorials; school bond fails in Alameda: heads up Berkeley?; a correction to last week’s column

Is No News Good News?

Once upon a time it was one of the main functions of news to report to citizens about the actions of their government.   Today, that situation may be reversing: “news” taking on the function of reporting about citizens to their government.    Some background and then a case in point:

News reporting in Berkeley and Alameda County generally has suffered badly in recent years as papers fail or cut back.   The long story made short: there are far fewer reporters out there actually digging up the news, and fewer widely read outlets for delivering that news.

Many have argued that citizen journalism and the blogosphere and social networks will replace the newsroom, perhaps even prove to be superior.   It’s a nice theory but if you look at the attempts to realize it in Berkeley you’ll get the impression that the main news in town is restaurant and theater reviews and friendly interviews with local celebrities.   Will you find a detailed, fact based analysis of Berkeley’s budget woes?   Careful examinations of governance, budget, and bond issues affecting the school system? Not so much.

Without the scrutiny of the press, our civic leaders and our government are free to work indifferently to the will of the people from whom their authority is legitimately derived.   Thomas Jefferson said something along those lines, many times.

Even more slippery is that, these days, “news” is changing meaning.   To users of Facebook, for example, the news (what they call a “newsfeed”) is naught but the latest whimsical comments posted by officially registered “friends”.

As we chat distractedly on the social networks, creating so-called “news” for one another, the civic role of news is being flipped around.    Whereas once, news reported government to us, now we report ourselves to government.   Somewhat ironically, the point is driven home by a recent article from the Oakland Tribune

“Police are also monitoring fliers, notices and social networking websites, including Twitter and Facebook, in an attempt to gain early notice of mass gatherings or public events.”

As a law enforcement tactic, assuming the monitoring is conducted lawfully, that the laws in question are just and supported by the people, and that the tactic is effective in mediating violence then perhaps that is good policing.

It’s worth noting, though, that under the heading “news” we’re eagerly substituting government surveillance of citizens for citizen surveillance of government.   Jefferson: “The only security of all is in a free press. The force of public opinion cannot be resisted when permitted freely to be expressed. The agitation it produces must be submitted to. It is necessary, to keep the waters pure.”   Apparently, we’re entering an era of putting that theory to the test.

Reporting Vs. The General Sentiment

The force of public opinion does not disappear only because good, in-depth, fact-based reporting is gone.   People still bicker in the public square even when that square is a virtual square that exists only on-line.   Community leaders still emerge to take their place at meetings between government and the community.   Those opinions we form in what passes for news on the blogosphere can still wind up shaping the policies of government, even if those opinions lack any solid foundation.   Here is an example that I worry about:

As many readers likely know, June 23 brought us yet another shooting death in Oakland. Rachael Green, who was all of 19, was slain at a candlelight vigil held for another victim, Damon Williams (17), who was shot but two days prior.   A street side makeshift memorial was associated with the vigil.

The local blog berkeleyside.com hosted a discussion initially about a different shooting. That discussion turned to the question of whether or not police ought not crack down more aggressively on makeshift memorials (aka street shrines). Disclaimer: I was a participant in this discussion.

A few voices, including one famous and accomplished community leader, advocated strongly for enforcement against street shrines. The discussion (which degenerated, rapidly) began with a comment from Laura Menard: “However most of us were less than satisfied with the answers we got last night from all the public officials about the gang displacement, the city deciding to not enforce the memorial policy, police staffing levels, and budgeting.” (emphasis added; see this ).

Are the memorials really the problem? Is enforcing against them an effective use of police resources? In that conversation it proved nearly impossible to bring those questions to the fore.   A journalistic report, even though brief, suggests that they are important questions.    The BayCitizen report by Shoshana Walter suggests otherwise (see). “It’s a macabre trend: In Oakland and Richmond, young gunmen are targeting funerals and memorial services to attack friends and relatives of slain victims, the police and community leaders say.”   Her article does mention the killing of Rachael Green but also several other retributive shootings that took place at funerals, not street shrines.   If this is any indication, perhaps it is not the form of mourning or even the act of morning that is the problem.

While on the one hand our substitutes for actual news give government a better opportunity to watch us than for us to watch government, on the other hand, when we read what today passes as news and form opinions – we lack the information to form sound opinions.   Jefferson’s “force of public opinion [which can not be] resisted” blows with the wind of rumor and innuendo.

Heads Up BUSD

Jefferson waxed eloquent about the value of the press but we ought not overlook something else he said in the same breath: “The basis of our governments being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. But I should mean that every man should receive those papers and be capable of reading them.” (emphasis added).  

If it is important to deliver independent and well developed news to the people, it is no less important that they should be able to read and understand it.   As our newspapers are failing, so too our schools.

It is widely reported that a large ballot measure to sure up Berkeley schools is coming to the ballot in November.   Is this an effective strategy?   Perhaps of some concern is the recent failure of a similar measure in Alameda.   BayCitizen reports: “And in the somber moments that followed the announcement of the preliminary vote, the board okayed agreements with two unions to furlough staff and teachers.”

The web site “The Island” - a rare, promising adventure in online journalism – has a fuller account of the grim details. (See )

Slowing Down the PACE

Beyond an educated an informed citizenry, our civic order depends on a strong, opportunity rich economy and, as we increasingly see, on sound energy and environmental policies. In those areas, Berkeley was seen as a leader with PACE.   In Berkeley, the initial PACE experiment allowed homeowners to borrow money for solar installations, billing loan repayments as increases in property taxations to those properties.   The notion was that the program would be self funding and that homeowners would quickly enjoy savings on their energy bills.

Now there is a snag. As reported on grist.org, a blog focussed on environmental news, Freddie Mac recently sent out a warning to lenders that their borrowers may not be entitled to receive PACE money because it would create a lien on the property that is superior (gets paid ahead of, if only one can be paid) to the outstanding mortgage.   Environmentalists are scratching their heads and waiting for further clarification about the letter but tentatively conclude that it would exclude roughly half of all mortgaged homes from PACE programs.

Can We Keep This Up?

This has been a dismal column to write: the failure of any pretense of a well informed community, the rise of government surveillance in lieu of news, the inflaming of rumor and innuendo as the basis of public influence over government policy, further evidence of the failure of our schools, and even our best intentioned economic development and environmental sustainability projects called into question. Its grim from top to bottom.

There’s an old joke in the news business, I hear: “If it bleeds it leads,” - dark news “sells” better. It doesn’t sit well with me to leave it at that, though, and so next week, knock on wood, I’ll look for good and encouraging news.

Do be in touch: you can write me at lord@emf.net

But before you go, I must make a correction from last week!

BP Did NOT Fund Biofuel Breakthrough

Last week I reported on an incremental but potentially quite nice advance in synthetic biology that can help lead to replacing fossil fuels with biofuels on a massive scale.   I reported that this research at JBEI had been funded by BP.   This was not correct, although it wasn’t entirely misleading either. Here’s the scoop:

In response to the article I received a polite note from Mr. Lynn Yarris, a Senior Science Writer for Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.   He kindly indicated that my science writing wasn’t too shabby but asked me to correct:

JBEI is not funded by BP – it is funded mainly by a grant from the federal Department of Energy.

I had apparently confused, he pointed out, JBEI with BP-funded EBI.

I stand corrected and apologize for getting that wrong.

That said, academic funding mechanisms and modes of organization are a peculiar thing.   JBEI and EBI were created around the same time and in a coordinated fashion.    As the Berkeley Daily Planet reported in 2007 “While the project is separate from the $500 million Energy Biosciences Institute (EBI) funded earlier this year by BP (the company once called British Petroleum), the newly funded Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) features many of the same scientific players—and both are headed by Jay Keasling, a chemical engineering professor and entrepreneur. “

The research focus areas of EBI and JBEI are, by design, complementary according to a “PowerPoint Presentation” by Chris Somerville of EBI. . One important reason to keep the accounting books of EBI and JBEI separate, as the same presentation indicates, is that BP has intellectual property rights to some of EBI’s work, but not JBEI’s.

My surmise is that I did err in describing the JBEI research as BP funded but would not be wrong to say it would not likely exist in its present form were it not for the presence of closely related BP money.

Nevertheless, the BP tie-in was not central to my points in that column and I’m happy to make the correction.

When U.S. forces found themselves beset by a growing insurgency in Iraq following their lighting overthrow of Saddam Hussein, the most obvious parallel that came to mind was Vietnam: an occupying army, far from home, besieged by a shadowy foe. But Patrick Cockburn, the Independent’s (UK) ace Middle East reporter, suggested that the escalating chaos was more like the Boer War than the conflict in Southeast Asia. 

It was a parallel that went past most Americans, very few of whom know anything about the short, savage turn of the century war between Dutch settlers and the British Empire in South Africa. But the analogy explains a great deal about the growing influence of a country like Turkey, and why Washington, despite its military power and economic clout, can no longer dominate regional and global politics. 

Take the current tension in U.S. –Turkish relations around Iran and Israel. 

The most common U.S. interpretation of the joint Turkish-Brazilian peace plan for Iran, as well as Ankara’s falling out with Israel over the latter’s assault on the Gaza flotilla, is that Turkey is “looking East.” Rationales run the gamut from rising Islamicism, to U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ explanation that the West alienated Turkey when it blocked Ankara from joining the European Union (EU). 

While Turkey’s rise does indeed reflect internal developments in that country, its growing influence mirrors the ebb of American power, a consequence of the catastrophic policies Washington has followed in the Middle East and Central Asia. 

From Ankara’s point of view, it is picking up the tab for the chaos in Iraq, the aggressive policies of the Israeli government, and the growing tensions around the Iranian nuclear program. As Sedat Laciner, director of the International Strategic Resource Center in Ankara, told the New York Times, “The Western countries do things and Turkey pays the bill.” 

While the Cold War is over, argues Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, “a new global” order has yet to emerge. Until those “mechanisms” are in place, “It will therefore fall largely to nation-states to meet and create solutions for the global political, cultural, and economic turmoil.” 

Davutoglu’s observation about “a new global” order is an implicit critique of a United Nations’ Security Council dominated by the veto power of the “Big Five”: the U.S., Britain, France, Russia and China. Increasingly countries like Turkey, Brazil and India are unhappy with the current setup, and either want a place at the table or a reduction of the Council’s power. The latest Iran sanctions passed 12 to 2 to 1 in the Council. They would have failed in the General Assembly. 

Internally, Turkey is putting its house in order. It has returned the once all-powerful army—four coups in as many decades— to the barracks, shifted power away from Istanbul elites to central and eastern Turkey, eased up on domestic repression, and even begun coming to terms with its large Kurdish minority. Legislation before the parliament would allow Kurdish language television stations and establish a commission to fight discrimination.  

Externally, Turkey is following what Davutoglu calls a “zero problem foreign policy.” It has buried the hatchet with Syria, and reached out to Iraq’s Kurds. Of the 1200 companies working in Iraq’s Kurdistan, half are Turkish, and cross border trade is projected to reach $20 billion this year. And the Kurds have something Ankara wants: 45 billion barrels in oil reserves and plentiful natural gas. 

Turkey has expanded ties with Iran and worked closely with Russia on energy and trade. It has even tried to thaw relations with Armenia. It has mediated between Damascus and Tel Aviv, brokered peace talks between Sunnis and Shiites in Iraq, and Serbians and Bosnians in the Balkans, and tried to reduce tension in the Caucasus. It has also opened 15 embassies in Africa and two in Latin America. 

Its foreign policy is “multi-dimensional ” says Davutoglu, which “means that good relations with Russia are not an alternative to relations with the EU,” an explicit repudiation of the zero-sum game diplomacy that characterized the Cold War. 

Turkey’s ascendancy is partly a reflection of a political vacuum in the Middle East. The U.S.’s traditional allies in the region, like Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, are increasingly isolated, distracted by economic troubles, paranoid about internal opposition, and nervous about Iran.  

This growing influence has not been well received by the U.S., particularly the recent deal to enrich Iran’s nuclear fuel. But from the Turks’ point of view, the nuclear compromise was an effort to ratchet down tensions in a volatile neighborhood. Turkey is no more in favor of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons than is the U.S., but as Laciner says, it also doesn’t “want another Iraq.” 

Of course there is an element of self-interest here. Turkey gets 20 percent of its gas and oil from Iran, and Tehran is increasingly a valuable trading partner. Indeed, Turkey, Iran and Syria are considering forming a trade group that would also include Iraq. 

Ankara’s falling out with Israel is attributed to the growth of Islam, but while Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party does have a streak of Islamicism, Turkey’s anger at Israel is over policy not religion. The current Israeli government has no interest in resolving its dispute with the Palestinians, and leading members of the Netanyahu coalition have threatened war with Iran, Syria and Lebanon.  

A war with any of those countries might go regional, and could even turn nuclear if the Israelis find their conventional weapons are not up to the job of knocking out their opponents. 

Ankara has much to lose from war and everything to gain from nurturing regional trade agreements and building political stability. Turkey has the 16th largest economy in the world and seventh largest in Europe.  

Turkey has begun working closely with other nations who would also benefit from a reduction in international tension. Ankara’s partnership with Brasilia is no accident. Like Turkey, Brazil’s economy is humming, and Brazil has been key in knitting together Mercosur, the third largest trade organization in the world. It has also played no small part in helping South America to become one of the most peaceful regions in the world.  

The U.S., on the other hand, has drawn widespread anger for its support of the Honduran government, expanding its military bases in Colombia, and its increasingly unpopular war on drugs. If much of the world concludes that regional powers like Turkey and Brazil are centers of stability, while the U.S. seems increasingly ham fisted or ineffectual, one can hardly blame them.  

The British eventually triumphed in the 1899-1902 Boer War, but what was predicted to be a cakewalk for the most powerful military in the world turned into the longest and most expensive of Britain’s colonial wars. In the end the British won only by herding Boer women and children into concentration camps, where 28,000 of them died of starvation and disease.  

All over the colonial world people took notice: a ragtag guerrilla force had fought the mighty British army to a stalemate. The Boer War exposed the underlying weakness of the British Empire, just as Iraq and Afghanistan have demonstrated that the era when powerful countries could use force to dominate a region or the globe is over.  

“The world is not going to take the diktats of the powers that have run it for the past two or three hundred years,” political scientist Soli Ozel of Bilgi University in Istanbul told the Financial Times. 

CRANEWAY PAVILION  

Oakland East Bay Symphony, July 3, 6:30-10 p.m. Celebrate Independence Day with a patriotic program of music and fireworks. Program also features Khalil Shaheed and Oaktown Jazz Workshops and the Hilltop Community Church Choir. Free. www.oebs.org. 

1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond. (510) 735-1133, www.craneway.com.< 

FIRST COVENANT CHURCH OF OAKLAND  

"Summer Sing-ins," July 6 through Aug. 10, 7 p.m. Jul. 6: "Mozart and Faure's Requiems, conducted by Greg Wait.  

4000 Redwood Road, Oakland. (510) 531-5244, www.oaklandfcc.org.< 

SMITH CENTER AT OHLONE COLLEGE  

"Madame Butterfly," July 9, 8:15 p.m. A live fully-staged broadcast of San Francisco Opera's production of Puccini's opera. $10.  

43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont. (510) 659-6031, www.smithcenterpresents.com.<

AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATER  

CLOSING -- "The Tosca Project," by Carey Perloff and Val Caniparoli, through July 3. Loosely structured around the themes of Puccini's "Tosca,'' this imaginative new work is gorgeously choreographed, achingly moving and scored with some of the best music ever made, from Hendrix to Stravinsky.  

Geary Theater, 415 Geary St., San Francisco. (415) 749-2228, www.actsf. 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.< 

THE CUSTOM MADE THEATRE CO.  

CLOSING -- "Durang Me," by Christopher Durang, through July 10, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 7 p.m.; No show Jul. 4. Featuring two of Durang's scripts, "Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You'' and "The Actor's Nightmare.'' $18-$28.  

965 Mission St., San Francisco. < 

DOLORES PARK  

"Posibilidad," July 3 through July 5, 2 p.m. San Francisco Mime Troupe presentsthis modern song and tango about politics in the workplace featuring a live band. Free. (415) 285-1717, www.sfmt.org. 

18th and Dolores streets, San Francisco. < 

EUREKA THEATRE  

OPENING -- "Piaf: Love Conquers All," July 7 through Aug. 7, Tuesday-Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 3 and 8 p.m. Naomi Emmerson stars in this musical tribute. $25-$36.  

215 Jackson St., San Francisco. (415) 255-8207, (415) 978-2787, www.42ndstmoon.org/42newweb/finding/eureka.htm or www.ticketweb.com/.< 

EXIT THEATRE  

"Obscura -- A Magic Show," through Aug. 14, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m. Featuring illusionist Christian Cagigal. $15-$25.  

"San Francisco Olympians Festival," July 8 through July 31, 8 p.m. No Nude Men Productions presents staged readings of 12 new full-length plays by 14 local writers, each focusing on one of the 12 Olympian gods of ancient Greece. Plays include "Dionysus'' by Nathan Tucker (Jul. 8), "Apollo'' by Garret Groenveld (Jul. 9), "Poseidon'' by Bryce Allemann, Danca Constance and Kathy Hicks (Jul. 10), "Hermes'' by Ben Fisher (Jul. 15), "Artemis'' by M.R. Fall (Jul. 16), "Zeus'' by Helen Noakes (Jul. 17), "Demeter'' by Claire Ann Rice (Jul. 22), "Aphrodite'' by Nirmala Nataraj (Jul. 23), "Ares'' by Sean Kelly (Jul. 24), "Athena'' by Ashley Cowan (Jul. 29), "Hera'' by Stuart Bousel (Jul. 30) and "Hephaestus'' by Evelyn Jean Pine (Jul. 31). $10.  

156 Eddy St., San Francisco. (415) 673-3847, www.theexit.org.< 

FORT MASON  

"Foresight," by Ruben Grijalva, July 9 through July 18, Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 8 p.m. A terminally ill Silicon Valley pioneer migrates his personality into an advanced computer. $22-$27.  

Building A, San Francisco. (415) 441-5706.< 

GOLDEN GATE THEATRE  

"Young Frankenstein," by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, through July 25, Wednesday and Sunday, 2 and 8 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. When Frederick Frankenstein, an esteemed New York brain surgeon and professor, inherits a castle and laboratory in Transylvania from his grandfather, deranged genius Victor Von Frankenstein, he faces a dilemma. Does he continue to run from his family's tortured past or does he stay in Transylvania to carry on his grandfather's mad experiments reanimating the dead and, in the process, fall in love with his sexy lab assistant Inga?$30-$99.  

1 Taylor St., San Francisco. (415) 512-7770, www.shnsf.com.< 

KIMO'S BAR  

"Fauxgirls," Every third Saturday Drag cabaret revue features San Francisco's finest female impersonators.  

1351 Polk St., San Francisco. (415) 885-4535, www.denkitiger. com/.< 

MAMA CALIZO'S VOICE FACTORY  

CLOSING -- "Blackbird: Honoring a Century of Pansy Divas," by Seth Eisen, through July 10, 8 p.m. Show blends puppetry and a hybrid of live performance, movement, music, video, song and storytelling. $20-$25.  

1519 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 368-1244, www.voicefactorysf.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.  

"Reading My Dad's Porn and French Kissing the Dog," by Cherry Zonkowski, through July 17. Zonkowski takes you on a tour of the suburban living rooms, crowded dungeons and ultra-hip warehouses of San Francisco's sex and artist party scenes.  

"The Real Americans," by Dan Hoyle, July 8 through Aug. 8, Thursday and Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. Hoyle connects liberal city life with small-town America. $18-$50.  

1062 Valencia St., San Francisco. (415) 826-5750, www.themarsh.org.< 

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.< 

OUR LITTLE THEATER  

"What Mama Said About Down There," through Aug. 28, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m. An "educational show'' for ages 18 and up. $15.  

287 Ellis St., San Francisco. (415) 928-4060.< 

PIER 39 -- A pier filled with shops, restaurants, theaters and entertainment of all sorts from sea lions to street performers.  

"SAN FRANCISCO CAROUSEL" -- The Pier's two-tiered, San Francisco-themed carousel with hand-crafted ponies that rock and move up and down and tubs that spin. In addition, carousel has hand-painted pictures of San Francisco scenes like the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown and Coit Tower. $3 per ride. "FREQUENT FLYERS'' -- A bungee trampoline where people can safely jump and flip over 20 feet in the air thanks to the help of bungee cords and a harness. Jumpers must weigh at least 30 pounds and not more than 230 pounds. $10 per session. (415) 981-6300.  

"Insignificant Others," by L. Jay Kuo, A musical comedy about the romantic foibles of two gay men and three straight women who move to San Francisco from the Midwest seeking love and adventure. Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. $39-$46. www.isomusical.com. 

Free. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; certain attractions and shops have differing hours. The Embarcadero and Beach Street, San Francisco. (415) 623-5300, (800) SEADIVE, www.pier39.com.< 

RRAZZ ROOM AT HOTEL NIKKO  

"Kinsey Sicks: Each Hit and I," July 6 through July 18, Tuesday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 7 p.m. The "dragapella'' beautyshop quarter present a brand new musical show. $35-$40.  

222 Mason St., San Francisco. (415) 394-1111, www.therrazzroom.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.< 

THICK HOUSE  

"Beijing, California," by Paul Heller, through July 17, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. An unflinching study of one nation's invasion by another - but this time, the victim is not Iraq or Afghanistan; rather, it is America, and the invader is China $15-$25.  

1695 18th St., San Francisco. www.thickhouse.org.<

ASHBY STAGE  

OPENING -- "Left of Oz," by Stephanie Reif, July 2 through July 18, Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 7 p.m. Follow Dorothy as she comes out to Aunt Emma and goes to San Francisco to seek out womanly love. $25. www.leftofoz.com. 

1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. < 

BERKELEY REPERTORY THEATRE  

"Speech and Debate," by Stephen Karam, through July 18, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m.; Jun. 22 and 29, 7 p.m.; Jun. 23, 30 and Jul. 7, 8 p.m. Sex. Secrets. Videoblogs and blackmail. Just another day in the life of a teenager in Salem, Oregon. $15-$55.  

2025 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 647-2949, (888) 4BR-Ttix, www.berkeleyrep.org.< 

CALIFORNIA SHAKESPEARE THEATER  

OPENING -- "Mrs. Warren's Profession," by George Bernard Shaw, July 7 through Aug. 10, Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Forthright Cambridge student Vivie Warren comes home to discover a shocking secret about her mother and the source of her family fortune.  

$112-$220 for series. Bruns Memorial Amphitheater, 100 Gateway Blvd., Orinda. (510) 548-9666, www.calshakes.org.< 

JOHN HINKEL PARK  

"Much Ado About Nothing," by William Shakespeare, July 10 through July 11 and July 17, 1 p.m. Woman's Will presents an all-female production.  

2 Southampton Ave., Berkeley. < 

THE MARSH BERKELEY  

EXTENDED -- "Loveland," by Ann Randolph, through July 11, Jun. 25, 7 p.m.; Jun. 26, 5 p.m.; Jul. 2, 7 p.m.; Jul. 9, 7 p.m.; Jul. 11, 2 p.m. Randolph recounts the emotional, hilarious and deeply human journey of Frannie Potts, an irreverent, lovable woman as she travels to her childhood home. $25-$50.  

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

MASQUERS PLAYHOUSE  

CLOSING -- "Fuddy Meers," by David Lindsay-Abaire, through July 10, Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Claire, a sweet amnesiac, wakes up each morning remembering nothing. Her family must teach her who she is, each day. When she is kidnapped, the adventures really begin. $18.  

105 Park Place, Point Richmond. (510) 232-4031, www.masquers.org.< 

THEATREFIRST  

CLOSING -- "The Drawer Boy," by Michael Healey, through July 4, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. An actor visits two aging farmers and uncovers their long-buried family secret. $10-$30.  

Old Oakland Theatre, 461 Ninth St., Oakland. (510) 436-5085, www.theatrefirst.com.< 

TOWN HALL THEATRE  

CLOSING -- "Proof," by David Auburn, through July 3, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Jun. 13 and 20, 2 p.m.; Jun. 27, 7 p.m. Catherine lives in the shadow of her father's legacy -- a legacy of brilliance and insanity. The question is: How much of this brilliance and insanity did she inherit? $22.50-$29.50.  

3535 School St., Lafayette. (925) 283-1557, www.thtc.org.< 

WILLOWS THEATRE COMPANY  

"Avenue Q," through Aug. 1, Wednesday, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. This "adult Sesame Street'' romp features puppets and live actors in high-energy, naughty fun. $25-$30.  

Willows Theatre, Willows Shopping Center, 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. (925) 798-1300, www.willowstheatre.org.< 

WOODMINSTER AMPHITHEATRE  

OPENING -- "Hairspray," by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, July 9 through July 18, Jul. 9-11; 15-18, 8 p.m. The dreams of a teenage girl play themselves out in equal parts social commentary and lively dance numbers. $25-$40.  

3300 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland. (510) 531-9597, www.woodminster.com.<

CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM The museum, formerly known as the Jewish Museum San Francisco, has a new addition designed by Daniel Libeskind and is dedicated to exploring the richness and diversity of Jewish thought and culture.  

GALLERY TOURS -- Sunday and Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. Free. 

Dan Plonsey with Dandelion Dancetheater, July 11, 1 p.m. Featuring Plonsey's "Bar Mitzvah.'' Choreography by Eric Kupers. $18-$22.  

$4-$5; free for children under age 12; free third Monday of every month. Sunday -Thursday, noon-6 p.m. DEC. 25, NOON TO 4 P.M.; CLOSED JAN. 1. 736 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 655-7800, www.thecjm.org.< 

DANCE MISSION THEATER  

Kara Davs and Sarah Zaharako, July 9 through July 11, 8 p.m. Featuring the premiere of "Symbiosis.'' $18-$20.  

3316 24th St., San Francisco. (415) 826-4441, www.dancemission.com.< 

FORT MASON CENTER  

Azahar Dance Foundation, July 9, 8 p.m. Flamenco meets the rhythm of Arab music in "Zahara.'' $15-$29.  

Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, San Francisco. www.fortmason.org.< 

PENA PACHAMAMA  

"Carnaval Del Sur," Saturdays, 8:30 p.m. Sukay, Eddy Navia and the Pachamama Dancers present a program of Latin music and dance. $13.50.  

"Cuban Nights," Fridays, 8:30 p.m. Fito Reinoso, Sukay and Eddy Navia present Latin dancing Buena Vista style. $13.50.  

"Flamenco Thursdays" with Carola Zertuche, Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Music and dance with performers of traditional flamenco. $10.  

Georges Lammam Ensemble, Sundays, 8:30 p.m. Event features music and dancing from the Middle East. $10.  

For ages 21 and older. 1630 Powell St., San Francisco. (415) 646-0018, www.penapachamama.com.< 

SAN FRANCISCO OLD MINT  

Joe Goode Performance Group, July 7 through Aug. 1, Wednesday-Sunday, 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 p.m. Program features "Traveling Light.'' $30-$37.  

88 5th St., San Francisco. www.themintproject.org.<

BOOKS INC., BERKELEY  

Cathy Edgett and Jane Flint, July 7, 7 p.m. The authors talk about "Breast Strokes.''  

Frances Lefkowitz, July 8, 7 p.m. The author talks about "To Have Not.''  

Steve Duno, July 11, 6 p.m. The author talks about "Last Dog on the Hill.''  

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

DIESEL, A BOOKSTORE  

"Poetry FLash -- Sixteen Rivers Press Reading," July 11, 3 p.m. Featuring Dan Clurman, Sharon Doubiago, Susan Kolodny, Priscilla Lee, Jack Marshall and Al Young.  

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

MOE'S BOOKS  

Neeli Cherkovski and David Meltzer, July 8, 7:30 p.m. Cherkovski talks about "From the Canyon Outward.'' Meltzer talks about various published works.  

Marvin Brown, July 11, 4 p.m. The author talks about "Civilizing the Economy.''  

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

UNIVERSITY PRESS BOOKS  

Katherine Baylor, July 8, 7:30 p.m. The author talks about "California Rocks: A Guide to Geologic Sites in the Golden State.''  

2430 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. (510) 548-0585, www.universitypressbooks.com.<

CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM The museum, formerly known as the Jewish Museum San Francisco, has a new addition designed by Daniel Libeskind and is dedicated to exploring the richness and diversity of Jewish thought and culture.  

GALLERY TOURS -- Sunday and Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. Free. 

Dan Plonsey with Dandelion Dancetheater, July 11, 1 p.m. Featuring Plonsey's "Bar Mitzvah.'' Choreography by Eric Kupers. $18-$22.  

$4-$5; free for children under age 12; free third Monday of every month. Sunday -Thursday, noon-6 p.m. DEC. 25, NOON TO 4 P.M.; CLOSED JAN. 1. 736 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 655-7800, www.thecjm.org.< 

DAVIES SYMPHONY HALL  

San Francisco Symphony, July 8, 8 p.m. Works by Copland and Gershwin. Donato Cabrera conducts.  

Idina Menzel with the San Francisco Symphony, July 9, 8 p.m. Rob Fisher conducts. $15-$70.  

San Francisco Symphony, July 10, 8 p.m. Works by Beethoven. Donato Cabrera conducts. $15-$70.  

201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. (415) 864-6000, www.sfsymphony.org.< 

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. 

$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.< 

OLD ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL  

Marilyn Thompson and Beni Shinohara, July 6, 12:30 p.m. Works by Debussy and Ravel.  

$5 donation requested. 660 California St., San Francisco. www.oldsaintmarys.org/.< 

SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC  

"3rd Milton and Peggy Salkind International Piano Duo Festival," July 8 through July 10, 8 p.m. Works by Gottschalk, Lecuona and Cables/Munson. $10-$25. (415) 705-0846. 

$15 to $20 unless otherwise noted. Hellman Hall, 50 Oak St., San Francisco. (415) 864-7326, www.sfcm.edu.< 

ST. MATTHEWS LUTHERAN CHURCH  

Daniela Mack and Allen Perriello, July 3, 7:30 p.m. Works by Rossini, Ravel and Ginastera. $15-$20.  

3281 16th St., San Francisco. (415) 863-6371, www.stmatthews-sf.org.< 

ST. MONICA'S CHURCH  

Bay Area Summer Opera Theater Institute, July 2 through July 3 and July 9 through July 3, 7:30 p.m. Program features scenes from operas such as "Carmen,'' "Don Giovanni,'' "Abduction from the Seraglio'' and more. $15-$25.  

470 24th Ave., San Francisco. (415) 751-5275.< 

STERN GROVE FESTIVAL The annual summer performing arts festival takes place in the outdoor amphitheater of Sigmund Stern Grove and features popular and classical music by Bay Area, national and international performers. 

San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Opera Chorus and Orchestra, July 4, 2 p.m. Works by George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, John Philip Sousa and many more. Free. www.sterngrove.org. 

San Francisco Symphony, July 11, 2 p.m. Works by Copland, Beethoven and Gershwin. Free.  

Free. Sundays, 2 p.m. Sigmund Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco. (415) 252-6252, www.sterngrove.org.<

ALBANY ARTS GALLERY  

"Silk Painting," through July 31. Works by Natasha Foucault.  

1251 Solano Ave., Albany. (510) 526-9558.< 

ALPHONSE BERBER GALLERY  

Kamau Patton, through Aug. 7. Works by the artist.  

2546 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. < 

BEDFORD GALLERY  

OPENING -- "Unbound: A National Exhibition of Book Art," July 11 through Sept. 19. Works by Ed Ruscha, Andy Warhol, Sas Colby, Lisa Kokin, Francesca Patine, Maria Porges, Nancy Selvin, Richard Shaw and others.  

$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.< 

CHANDRA CERRITO CONTEMPORARY  

"Stillness," through July 24. Works by Keira Kotler.  

480 23rd St., Oakland. (415) 577-7537, www.chandracerrito.com.< 

EXPRESSIONS GALLERY  

"Labor and Art," through Aug. 6. Group art show features paintings, photography, sculpture, mixed media, digital art, monotypes and more.  

Free. Wednesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-3 p.m. 2035 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. (510) 644-4930, www.expressionsgallery.org/.< 

GALLERY 555 --  

Nemo Gould, through July 30. Presented by the Oakland Museum of California.  

Free. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; third Thursdays, 7 a.m-8 p.m. Oakland City Center, 555 12th St., Oakland. < 

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.< 

K GALLERY  

"The Locals II," through July 31. Works by Jon Kerpel, Ginny Parsons, K.C. Rosenberg, Peter Tonningsen and Danielle Wallis.  

Free. Thursday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. 2515 Blanding Ave., Alameda. (510) 865-5062, www.rhythmix.org.< 

LAFAYETTE GALLERY  

"Summer Daze," through Aug. 7. Works by Nancy Hartley and Jill Landau.  

50 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette. www.lafayettegallery.net.< 

PHOTOLAB  

"Between Borders," through July 31. Works by Patricia Monaco.  

2235 5th St., Berkeley. (510) 644-1400, www.photolabratory.com.< 

PUEBLO NUEVO GALLERY  

CLOSING -- "Catastro de Colores y Esperanzas/Registry of Colors and Hopes," through July 4. Works by Osvaldo Torres.  

1828 San Pablo Ave. #1, Berkeley. (510) 452-7363.< 

ROYAL NONESUCH GALLERY  

OPENING -- "Alula Editions," July 2 through July 30. Works by Jason Jagel.  

4231 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. (415) 690-3041, www.royalnonesuchgallery.com.< 

SUN GALLERY  

"High Art," through Sept. 25. Works by local high school students and high school homeschoolers.  

1015 E. St., Hayward. (510) 581-4050, www.sungallery.org.<

924 GILMAN ST. -- All ages welcome. 

Lewd Acts, Mammoth Grinder, Wolves and Thieves, Street Walker, Since Always, July 2, 7:30 p.m. Free.  

Lose None, Skin Like Iron, Curcified, Plead the Fifth, Mind Trap, Boundaries, July 3, 7:30 p.m. $7-$10.  

$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.< 

ALBATROSS PUB  

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

Steve Carter Jazz Trio, July 10, 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.< 

ARMANDO'S  

Quinn Deveaux and the Blue Beat Review, July 2, 8 p.m. $10.  

VW Brothers, July 3, 8 p.m.  

"Open Mic," July 5, 7-10 p.m. $3.  

Mark Holzinger Quartet, July 8, 8 p.m. $8.  

Craig Horton Blues Band, July 9, 8 p.m. $10.  

Half Coconut, July 10, 8-11 p.m. $10.  

Derek Rolando, Ray Obiedo and Friends, July 11, 3-6 p.m. $10.  

707 Marina Vista Ave., Martinez. (925) 228-6985, www.armandosmartinez.com.< 

ASHKENAZ  

Zongo Junction, Blind Willies, July 2.  

Inner Visions Comanche High Power, July 3, 9:30 p.m. $12.  

Sauce Piquante, July 6, 8:30 p.m. $10  

Moodswing Orchestra, July 7, 9 p.m.  

Dead Dreams, Ghost Town Sound, July 8, 9 p.m. $10.  

Sambada, Mucho Axe, July 9, 9 p.m. $12-$15.  

Mabrak, Mr. Majestic, Earl Zero, July 10, 9:30 p.m. $13.  

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

BERKELEY FELLOWSHIP OF UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST HALL  

"Open Mic with Vic Sadot and Trevor Fletcher," July 9, 7 p.m.  

1924 Cedar St., Berkeley. (510) 495-5132, www.bfuu.org.< 

BLAKE'S ON TELEGRAPH  

Bicasso, Understudies, Young Gully, DJ RMC, July 2, 9 p.m. $10-$12.  

Detonate, July 3, 9 p.m. $5.  

Why I Hate, Punk Funk Mob, Bullheads, July 9, 9 p.m. $10.  

Tonic, July 10, 8 p.m. Free.  

Bird By Bird, Please Do Not Fight, Buckeye Knoll, James Leste, July 11, 7 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.< 

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. 

Fito Reinoso, July 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m.  

Free unless otherwise noted; parking fee may be charged. 1252 McKay Ave., Alameda. (510) 521-6887, www.ebparks.org.< 

CRAIG HORTON, BLIND LEMON PHILLIPS July 9. Point Richmond Music presents a free oudoor summer concert. Event held at the corner of Park Place and Washington Ave. in downtown Point Richmond. 

5:30 p.m.www.pointrichmondmusic.com.< 

FOX THEATER  

Neil Young, Bert Jansch, July 11 through July 12 and July 14, 8 p.m. $85-$199.50.  

1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. (510) 452-0438.< 

FREIGHT AND SALVAGE  

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

Laura Cortese and Jefferson Hamer, July 2. $18.50-$19.50.  

George Brooks Summit, July 3. $22.50-$23.50.  

Steve Smith, Chris Sanders and Hard Road, Bill Evans and Megan Lynch, July 8. $18.50-$19.50.  

Tin Hat, July 9. $20.50-$21.50.  

Blame Sally, July 10. $20.50-$21.50.  

Rosie Flores, July 11. $20.50-$21.50.  

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

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE, BERKELEY  

Steve Taylor-Ramirez, July 7, 7-9 p.m  

2299 Piedmont Ave., Berkeley. < 

JACK LONDON SQUARE  

Orquest D'Sol, July 6, Noon-2 p.m.  

P-PL, Bill Norwood, July 9, Noon-2 p.m.  

Foot of Broadway, Oakland. (866) 295-9853, www.jacklondonsquare.com.< 

JAZZSCHOOL  

"Summer Youth Program," July 2, 6:30 p.m.  

Christopher Almada, July 9, 8 p.m. $10.  

Afi Ayanna, Avelina Brown-Nunez, July 10, 8 p.m. $15.  

Rising Stars, July 11, 4:30 p.m. $10.  

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. 

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. < 

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.  

Mystic Roots Band, Hypnotic Vibrations, Thrive, July 2, 9 p.m. $8-$10.  

"Braisu" with Sotaque Baiano, DJ Rueben Kroy, Eder, Abel Damaceno, July 3, 9 p.m. $10.  

DJ D-Sharp, JahYzer, Santero, Aebl Dee, July 10, 9 p.m. $10.  

Orquestra Universal, July 11, 8 p.m. $10.  

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  

Judgement Day, Ferocious Few, Distance From Shelter, Weston Elementary, July 2, 9 p.m. Free.  

Hubba Hubba Revue, July 3, 9 p.m. $10.  

Songs for Snakes, Light Rail Radical, July 7, 9 p.m. Free.  

Audio Whore, DJ Jen Schande, Zola, July 8, 9 p.m. Free.  

Dandelion War, Silian Rail, Manatee, July 9, 9 p.m. $8.  

Audrye Sessions, Picture Atlantic, Man in Space, Steve Taylor, July 10, 9 p.m. $10.  

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

YOSHI'S  

"Yoshi's Fourth of July weekend Blues Festival," through July 3, 8 and 10 p.m. With Chris Thomas King on Jul. 1 and James Cotton Superharp Band Jul. 2 and 3. $16-$24.  

"Louis Armstrong Birthday Celebration with Mal Sharpe's Big Money in Gumbo, Lady Mem'fis," July 4, 7 p.m. $10.  

Grupo Falso Baiano, Jovino Santos Neto, July 5, 8 p.m. $16.  

Richard Bona, July 6, 8 and 10 p.m. $16-$26.  

Chuy Varela presents A Tribute to Francisco Aguabella, July 7, 7 p.m.  

$20.  

Kathryn Keats, Ben Babylon, July 8, 8 and 10 p.m. $10-$16.  

Dwele, July 9 through July 11, Friday and Saturday, 8 and 10 p.m.; Sunday, 7 and 9 p.m. $28.  

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.<

Please O please O please, people!There is a reason for the theatrical convention of two acts separated by an intermission.When half of your audience has white hair and tricky bladders, you have a little break after about 55 minutes for a little potty time, a little drinky-poo, a cookie, a chat, then back in for another 45. Unless you are going to deliver a chock-a-block thrilling ninety minutes tops, dispense with the NO INTERMISSION FOR AN HOUR AND FORTY FIVE MINUTES which is how long this pointless play runs. 

There were three thrills in SPEECH AND DEBATE at the Aurora Theatre—they were the two musical and one dance number which lasted about 10 minutes combined.If only they could have reversed the time of endless yakking with the very entertaining singing and dancing, it would have then been worth the price of admission. 

Other than that, it was like sitting through three and a half episodes of Saved by the Bell.Worse, it seemed like it was written BY a high school student.They have good young actors whose talent was wasted on this meatless, pointless script perhaps worthy of an after-school teenage special.To further bolster my viewpoint, consider that Entertainment Weekly, our national arbiter of shlock, hailed it as one of the 10 best plays of last season. 

Ripped from the headlines, it is a story about right-wing politicians and teachers who are “chicken-hawks” (i.e., older males who prefer and prey on teenage boys near or just over the age of consent) and sexual blackmail.When Law and Order: SVU has done this storyline to death, it’s time to run in the other direction. 

Nevertheless, the actors entertain us.Jayne Deely is a talent to be reckoned with, and delights us with several long monologues of believable adolescent loopiness.She plays Diwata, an annoyingly hyper-active actress-wanna-be who can never get cast by the high-school drama teacher Mr. Healy, and vows a vendetta against him (and aren’t closeted high school drama teachers an easy and overdone target).When her blog is read by gay student Howie (Maro Guevara) who is out, he comments online that he’s had an IM sex chat with ol’ Mr. Healey the pederast, which the high school hot-shot reporter-wanna-be Solomon (Jason Frank) picks up on.Guevara has the dearly-desired ability of naturalness on stage, and is an actor to watch. Frank is young and a bit of a one-note samba, but with his good white-bread looks and more training, he’ll be seen again. Holli Hornlien has two cameos as teacher and reporter, and, while cameos are always a challenge, her acting seems forced compared to these youngsters’ naturalness. 

Our heroine Diwata proceeds to extort the boys into joining the Speech and Debate club so she has somewhere to perform. They then have a mutual extortion-filled stand-off wherein secrets are outed while this warped triad tries to further their self-seeking goals.It really doesn’t seem to matter.Mr. Healy never gets brought to heel.  

(Funny comment heard on the way out: “I couldn’t believe that a teacher would molest a student on school grounds. That just seemed so unrealistic!” Somebody save me from middle-class naiveté.) 

Abortion, teenage gay sex, teenage straight unprotected sex resulting in pregnancy resulting in abortion, adult hypocrisy, the inability to talk about real concerns in high school—give me a break!Is this the stuff of $45 per ticket mature theatre?Even on Gay Pride Weekend when my spirits are up, I couldn’t make excuses for this cheesy excuse for a play that reveals nothing that we didn’t know before, where laughs come from the actors’ sense of humor rather than from funny lines, and has no discernible resolution. 

The set is spiffy with a paneled upscale classroom but the pointless projections of magazine ads and art had me scratching my head, and I can connect pretty much anything in my fetid imagination. But the set does a happy surprise and breaks away to colored and flashing lights for the treasured yet scant dance number. 

Anyway, stay away. Unless you’re under 18.Funny, because, by my count, there were over 70 gray and bald heads in the audience of 120.A little embarrassing all around, but the audience stayed awake and laughed good-naturedly.However, there was a bathroom rush at the curtain. 

SPEECH AND DEBATE at Aurora Theatre, 2081Addison Street, Berkeley through July 18. 

Tickets/info www.auroratheatre.orgor (510) 843-4822 

Written by Stephen Karam, directed by Robin Stanton, musical composition and sound design by Chris Houston, musical direction by Billy Philadelphia, choreography by LiWen Ang, lighting by Kurt Landisman, set by Eric Sinkonnen, and costumes by Callie Floor. Stage management by Angela Nostrand. 

WITH: Maro Guevara, Holli Hornlien, Jayne Deely, and Jason Frank. 

John McMullen is a member of SFBATCC and ATCA, and takes comments at EyeFromTheAisle@gmail.com

What?Four and half hours at the Opera!Wagner?The Anti-Semite?Nazi music with the corny parody of the Fat Lady with the Horned Helmet? How many cappuccini would I have to drink to stay awake?What could keep my attention for that long?How about an octet of sopranos parachuting onto the stage?How about lightning strikes and roiling thunderclouds on the diorama?Maybe a real ring of fire!You get it all at the War Memorial Opera House, and the voices are as spectacular as the stagecraft. 

DIE WALKÜRE at SF OPERA is the best opera I’ve ever seen, excluding the romanticized memory of my first-time when my mom and pop took me to the Pittsburgh Opera to see Aida when I was 12. Five hours later, I departed into the SF midnight mist wide awake and totally regaled with the tale and artistry I’d witnessed. 

This installation of Wagner’s Ring Cycle is about the Valkyries who decide who will die in battle and who protect the heroes in battle or, when they fall, escort them to Valhalla; it translates as “choosers of the slain.” 

Wotan is the Zeus of the Norse pantheon, and Mark Delavan’s rich baritone is godlike.He is the image of the captain of industry, directing destiny from his high rise office that is out of a Brecht play in black-and-white.He sings an extensive recitative that is part fascinating exposition, part confession that traces the legend of the ring and how he got into his current predicament of being blackmailed by his bourgeois wife Fricka (sung by German mezzo-soprano Janina Baechle) to betray his hero son Siegmund who he conceived in a dalliance with a mortal.If respect is lost for the gods, then it will be twilight time, Raganrok¸ the final destiny of the gods. 

Wotan’s confidant is his daughter Brunnhilde, the main Valkyrie, who is saddled with the conundrum of carrying out Wotan’s will to abandon Siegmund in battle when every fiber of her conscience screams against it. It’s a father/daughter play, a king v. heroine play not unlike Antigone, but a very psychologically complicated play.It’s a play about war, about destiny and defying the gods.It’s about forbidden love, loyalty, and incest. It’s Olympus delivered by Freud. 

When Delavan sings Wotan, you can really appreciate the German language since his fach (i.e., the range he sings in) is closest to a speaking voice which makes the lyrics very intelligible.I never had much exposure to German; growing up, I heard Polish, Slovak, Italian, Greek, even Arabic, but little German unless you count a little Yiddish.My Italian mom always decried it as a guttural language.But lately I have been listening to it, and it is wonderfully expressive, lyrical, and almost otherworldly.It’s the language that Freud and Einstein thought and dreamed in. And after all, English is a Germanic language. 

British tenor Christopher Ventris is our Siegmund, and the clarity and brightness of his voice with his good looks and barrel-chested manliness makes him a hero to root for.Matching him is the prima donna of the Dutch opera Eva-Maria Westbroek as Sieglinde, his “split-apart” long-lost twin-sister, with her buxom blonde earth-mother physicality and ethereal voice.The pairing makes us appreciate their magnetic if forbidden attraction. 

Brunnhilde is the title’s heroine: Die Walkure translates as The Valykyrie.(There are nine Valkyries, and eight sopranos singing backup to her is a sound to behold; each of the eight is good enough to be singing the leads in other Ring productions in a few years.) 

Nina Stemme as Brunnhilde is the reason for people who love great voices to spend the money.A diminutive woman dressed in corporate business wear, she has a voice as big as Valhalla; with that echo-y Wagnerian dramatic soprano full of overtones and dignity, it seems a voice that comes from a supernatural creature. 

Raymond Aceto sings the role of Hunding, the rough-hewn, abusive, possessive husband of Sieglinde from an arranged marriage. Aceto is a Vin Diesel look-alike with a bass voice that should be the example in the dictionary next to the definition of “bass voice.”He plays the villain to hilt, and we hate him instantly.Good stuff. 

I haven’t seen opera in Italy, but the sets at the SF Opera take my breath away with four separate sets with completely different moods and modes. 

The projections during the overture set the tone with a full stage video of the billowing waves of the cold blue sea that dissolve into a mesmerizing whirlpool right out of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. The looming clouds give way to a run through the forest primeval seen through the eyes of an animal or someone in an altered state of consciousness. It leads us to the rustic cabin of Hunding and a real fire on an outside hearth.The cabin breaks away to show deer heads mounted on the wall and an ash tree growing up through the middle of the cabin.Protruding from the tree is the Enchanted Sword that only the hero can withdraw.(I learned a lot about where other myths came from through this opera—though sometimes I had to push away thoughts of The Lord of the Rings.) Then the sides of the cabin spread to encompass a breathtaking sky with a 50 foot moon to frame the reunited siblings/lovers.The side and down lighting lends the effects you see in 1940’s films with dramatic half-lit faces. 

The sky is the centerpiece throughout: incredible thunderheads, sunsets and rises that Belasco would have applauded, and lighting strikes; all stir the blood.It gives us that picture of the man on the mountaintop with the roiling sky as his background, setting himself against the gathering storm, ready to stand against Fate and the Gods, to bear the Sturm und Drang, and to prevail.This picture is the essence of the Romantic movement as defined as “the love of tragedy”: you know you’re going to lose, but you go down fighting with your dignity and defiance intact. 

The war scene happens under a post-apocalyptic freeway, but Act Four is Valhalla featuring the monolithic ramps of a transcendent Edward Gordon Craig-like design with the extraordinary finale of a real Ring of Fire (this time I had to push away thoughts of Johnny Cash—I am such a low-brow). 

Director Francesca Zambello gets lots of acting from the singers during their “extended moments” when they have to keep up the emotional connection through long passages of musical interlude.She also gets them to hit their marks to make the most out of the theatrical lighting effects. 

Donald Runnicles came back to conduct, and the audience cheered him lovingly. 

Emotionally, I think I responded with my head more than my heart until the final scene in Valhalla, but that might have been the tempi of the score or my being boggled with the wonderment of the thrill-ride. 

There were only 100 tickets left for this season’s final performance June 30 on Saturday when I wrote this, but it will come around again next summer when they reprise the entire Ring Cycle.However, if you can get in this Wednesday night, carpe diem (or, more appropriately, Nutzen Sie den Tag).You will remember this one for a long time. 

DIE WALKÜRE by Richard Wagner at the San Francisco Opera War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness St. at Grove.  

Tickets/Info www.sfopera.org or (415) 864-3330. 

PRODUCTION NEW TO SAN FRANCISCO 

Final performance June 30 at 7:00 pm; to be reprised in Summer 2011 

Co-production with Washington National Opera 

Libretto by the composer 

Approximate running time: four hours and 30 minutes, with two intermissions 

Sung in German with English supertitles 

Conducted by Donald Runnicles , direction by Francesca Zambello with associate direction by Christian Räth, set design by Michael Yeargan, costume design by Catherine Zuber, choreography by Lawrence Pech, projection design by Jan Hartley, and lighting design by Mark McCullough. 

WITH: Nina Stemme, Eva-Maria Westbroek, Janina Baechle, Christopher Ventris, Mark Delavan, Raymond Aceto, Wendy Bryn Harmer, Tamara Wapinsky, Molly Fillmore, Daveda Karanas, Priti Gandhi, Maya Lahyani, Pamela Dillard, and Suzanne Hendrix. 

John A. McMullen II is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association, and this is his first opera review.Comments to EyeFromTheAisle@gmail.com

Aurora Theatre, Contra Costa Theater, Berkeley Symphony 

Aurora Theatre's production of 'Speech and Debate,' by Stephen Karam, provides the platform for some energized—and amusing—performances by three young actors: Jason Frank, Maro Guevara and—especially—Jayne Deely. As a gaggle of self-conscious high school misfits, trying to crack into an adult world—or its media simulation—they become an uncomfortable posse, with the intention to blow the cover on any number of adults who aren't walking the walk—or each other—while showing off their talents, culminating in a series of funny production numbers for a presentation-cum-revue for their Speech and Debate club at school. 

Robin Stanton directs. And Holly Hornlien, memorable in TheatreFIRST's LOVEPLAY a few years back, has a good turn as the only adult—rather, two: a bemused teacher at the start, and a canny, self-promoting journalist at the end of the play. 

The song-and-dance parodies are the snapper. And where the limitations of a comedy that promises satire becomes apparent.Pioneer stand-up political comedian Mort sahl—apparently now a Bay Area resident—made a fine distinction during the last national election between parody and satire. And too many of the plays we see nowadays at the repertory theaters (increasingly an ironic designation) are from the mill of parodies, which supply the sketch and sitcom TV markets. A never-ending Moebius Strip,, I guess. 

Through July 18. 

*** 

Contra Costa Civic Theater serves up some relaxed summer entertainment for the whole family with its production of BARNUM—P. T., of "There's a sucker born every minute"—at their theater on Pomona at Moeser Lane, El Cerrito, through July. A genial show which features an enthusiastic ensemble as circus folk, the story's that of the romance between dreamer—and bunko artist—Barnum (Derrick Silva) and his more practical wife. The highlight's in the second half, with a wonderful production number, "Black and White," in which Alexis Wong—featured in Ten Red Hen's CLOWN BIBLE awhile back—doffs her red nose, and struts the stage in a sultry gown as a torch singer, belting out the number, a cautionary song to show people-turned-civilian, while Mrs. Barnum leads a church choir in mock-dignified counterpoint, as Barnum himself tumbles through a gauntlet of factory work, on his way to a political career, before a return to his first love of huckstering. David Bogdonoff directed, with some great clowning by the ensemble, guided by Dan Griffiths and the San Francisco Circus Center. 

*** 

Joana Carneiro, music director of the Berkeley Symphony, was awarded the Helen M.Thompson award by the League of American Orchestras on June 18th, at the 65th annual convention of the League, in Atlanta. 

When conductor laureate Kent Nagano presented the recent program of the Berkeley Akademie, May 20 at the First Congregational Church—he prefaced the show with a long, reflective string of remarks about the contemporary state of Classical Music, introducing guest artist Jorg Widmann as the young heir of the Neo-Classical and Romantic tradition, as teacher, instrumentalist and composer. 

Widmann made his own, very upbeat, remarks—and demonstrated his viruosity as a clarinetist in the two pieces bracketing his composition, Beethoven's Quintet in E-flat for Piano and Strings, Opus 16, and Mozart's last greatcomposition, the Clarinet Concerto in A, K. 622. His own piece, Versuch uber die Fuge—"an attempt at a fugue"—proved an intense string quartet, with soprano Christine Brandes valiantly singing the text from the Vulgate of Ecclesiastes: Vanity, vanity, all is vanity. Widmann's score, 

taut, exquisite—and humorous in its use of unusual sound-producing techniques (the string players swishing their bows and hissing, for one)—proved a remarekable setting in every sense for its subject, Vanitas. 

A standing ovation ensued. But there was some controversy at intermission and after the concert. Not everyone had an ear for Widmann's dissonance—or agreed with Nagano that his composition, at least, was in the tradition of the other composers on the program. 

But Widmann—who mentioned the unusual dissonances in both Beethoven and Mozart, commenting: "They're the true experimentalists!"—didn't so much break with tradition as push the envelope a little bit further. 

The theory of modern art begins just before and at the time of Mozart, when Denis Diderot and (separately) G. H. Lessing postulate the tableau—or "the pregnant moment," as Lessing put it—for all representational and spectacular arts. Mozart and Da Ponte discovered an equivalent to this in the musical theater shortly after in their operas—and in The Magic Flute. 

Roland Barthes wrote, in the 70s, how the limit of the tableau, based on an idealization of the proportions of the human body, finds its limit only in mortality. And Widmann—impishly in his Con brio, earlier this year at Berkeley Symphony, more elegiacly in Versuch—accentuates the old masters' frameworks to an extreme, producing exquisite pleasure for some—and for others, pain ... 

But there's a definition of modern poetry as the sound of inherent contradiction in language liberated, like fingernails on a window pane when first heard. And there was more than a little bit of poetry to Widmann's setting of the spare sternness and cutting irony of Ecclesiastes. 

Mystery Train 

Jim Jarmusch's Mystery Train is a laconic journey, in three parts, through a Memphis of the imagination. Spurred by the passion and fury of a fierce backbeat, three interlocking deadpan vignettes find rock and roll pilgrims searching for something — the ghost of Elvis, the spirit of Carl Perkins, or a vague yearning for the vaguely defined essence of pompadoured rebellion — amid the empty streets and hollowed-out hotels of a faded town still trading on a brief epochal moment in its history. A young, star-struck Japanese couple, a rebel without a cause, and a comically stoic widow traverse the remnants of a mythic city in a mythic America in search of the reflected glory of the nearly mythic but everlasting moment of its ascendence. Screamin' Jay Hawkins, one of the real-life architects of rock and roll, takes a supporting role as an eccentric hotelier working the late shift. 

1989. 110 minutes. $39.95. www.criterion.com. 

Night Train to Munich 

Today, British director Carol Reed's reputation rests primarily on The Third Man, the 1950 post-war thriller in which Joseph Cotton and Orson Welles joined an international cast in the sewers of Vienna in the creation of a cinema classic. But Reed created at least two more masterpieces with The Fallen Idol and Odd Man Out, as well as a number of other fine but lesser-known films, produce both before and after his late '40s peak. 

Night Train to Munich is a delirious ride, a curious hybrid of espionage thriller, Allied propaganda and screwball comedy, in which Nazis pursue a Czech scientist and his daughter from Prague to England to a precarious tram in the Swiss Alps. Rarely seen today, it was quite a success upon its release in 1940, its wry wit, sly sexual innuendo and absurdist cloak-and-dagger romance taking viewers on a stylish and ironic — if low-budget — tour through a series of genre conventions. Rex Harrison is suave and sarcastic, if a bit smarmy; Paul Henreid turns his heroic image on its head; and Margaret Lockwood maintains her beauty, humor and poise throughout a parade of plot twists. 

1940. 90 minutes. $29.95. www.criterion.com. 

Steamboat Bill, Jr. 

In 1928, Buster Keaton was wrapping up an astounding decade of independent filmmaking, seemingly with another decade or two stretched out before him. But circumstances conspired to bring his remarkable string of sterling comedies to a premature end. During production on his tenth feature film, Steamboat Bill, Jr., Keaton's marriage ended in bitter divorce and Joseph Schenk, Keaton's producer and brother-in-law, sold his contract to MGM, a move that would render silent comedy's most innovative auteur a mere shift worker in Hollywood's largest cinema assembly line. And with the talkies just around the corner, it's no wonder that Keaton's loss of personal and professional autonomy should lead to a fierce bout of alcoholism and steep career decline. 

The great clown's depression is on clear display in Steamboat Bill's — and indeed the silent era's — most spectacular stunt, in which Buster stands motionless as gale-force winds bring a thousand-pound wall crashing down around him, the frame of a second-floor window passing neatly over his head and around his shoulders, leaving him stunned but unscathed. Keaton's crew tried to dissuade him from performing the stunt; the photographer cranked the camera with his eyes averted, and the co-director refused to take part at all, taking refuge in a nearby tent while praying for Keaton's soul. 

Keaton's career had reached an artistic if not commercial peak a couple of years earlier with The General, his Civil War comedy masterpiece. It was an expensive production that made relatively little profit and drew mixed reviews, prompting Schenk to require Keaton to make a markedly less ambitious follow-up. Keaton kept costs down on his next few films, including Steamboat Bill, saving his money for a lavish finish in which a hurricane wreaks havoc on River Junction. It's a remarkable sequence of daring stunts and comedic destruction, providing a climactic conclusion to Keaton's independent career, one that would, unfortunately, foreshadow the stormy times that lay ahead for him. 

1928. 70 minutes. $29.95. www.kino.com. 

Close Up 

It was with 1999’s Taste of Cherry that Abbas Kiarostami firmly cemented his international reputation, becoming the first Iranian filmmaker to win the Palme d’or at the Cannes film festival. But by then, his contemplative, intelligent films had been spurring debate in his home country for many years. Close-Up (1990), Kiarostami's emphatic declaration of Iranian cinematic artistry, looked back on cinema itself through a refracted lens, blending fiction, fact and fantasy into a story both stimulating and sad. 

Close-Up was inspired by a news story Kiarostami read concerning Hossein Sabzian, an obsessive cinemaphile who impersonated Iranian film director Mohsen Makhmalbaf and thereby insinuated himself into the life of a wealthy family, if only for a few days. Kiarostami then insinuated himself into Sabzian's trial, convincing the judge to not only allow the director to film the proceedings, but to question the defendant as the cameras rolled. The director also managed to persuade Sabzian and his victims to re-enact the story of their meeting and brief association, and then, upon Sabzian's release from jail, staged a meeting between the impersonator and the impersonated, with Mohsen Makhmalbaf carrying Sabzian on the back of his motorcycle to the home of his victims to ask for their forgiveness.The result is an examination of cinema and the troubled mind of a man who has devoted his life to a fanatic appreciation of the art. Close-Up, as with all of Kiarostami's best work, uses the drama and melodrama of everyday life to present his viewers with tantalizing, even baffling questions, and wisely leaves the answers to us. 

1990. 98 minutes. $39.95. www.criterion.com. 

ALAMEDA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS  

"A Day at the Races," July 10, Noon-6 p.m. Includes buffet lunch, a lesson on places bets, horseracing and more. Proceeds benefit Axis Community Health. $50. www.axishealth.org. 

4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. (925) 426-7600, www.alamedacountyfair.com.< 

BOOKS INC., BERKELEY  

Steve Duno, July 11, 6 p.m. The author talks about "Last Dog on the Hill.''  

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

CRANEWAY PAVILION  

Oakland East Bay Symphony, July 3, 6:30-10 p.m. Celebrate Independence Day with a patriotic program of music and fireworks. Program also features Khalil Shaheed and Oaktown Jazz Workshops and the Hilltop Community Church Choir. Free. www.oebs.org. 

1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond. (510) 735-1133, www.craneway.com.< 

FOX THEATER  

Neil Young, Bert Jansch, July 11 through July 12 and July 14, 8 p.m. $85-$199.50.  

1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. (510) 452-0438.< 

FREIGHT AND SALVAGE  

Rosie Flores, July 11. $20.50-$21.50.  

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

MARTINEZ'S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION July 4. Starts with a pancake breakfast, followed by 10 a.m. parade down Main Street. There will be a celebration in the town plaza from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with arts and crafts and kids activities.  

Takes place in Main Street Plaza and on Main Street, Martinez 

Free.8 a.m. - 4 p.m.(925) 228-3577, www.mainstreetmartinez.org.< 

PLEASANTON PUBLIC LIBRARY  

Frisky Frolics, July 11, 2 p.m. Free.  

Free. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. 400 Old Bernal Ave., Pleasanton. (925) 931-4300, www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/library.html.< 

UNIVERSITY PRESS BOOKS  

Katherine Baylor, July 8, 7:30 p.m. The author talks about "California Rocks: A Guide to Geologic Sites in the Golden State.''  

2430 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. (510) 548-0585, www.universitypressbooks.com.< 

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. 

"Independence Day 2010," July 4, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Featuring live music on the flight deck, interactive games for all ages and a bounce house for kids. Tours of the aircraft carrier are available until 8 p.m. In the evening, visitors can watch Bay Area fireworks from the flight deck. $10-$25.  

$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.< 

YOSHI'S  

"Yoshi's Fourth of July weekend Blues Festival," through July 3, 8 and 10 p.m. With Chris Thomas King on Jul. 1 and James Cotton Superharp Band Jul. 2 and 3. $16-$24.  

"Louis Armstrong Birthday Celebration with Mal Sharpe's Big Money in Gumbo, Lady Mem'fis," July 4, 7 p.m. $10.  

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.<

BERKELEY MARINA  

"Fourth of July Celebration," July 4, Noon-10 p.m. Featuring music, dancers, jugglers, an adventure playground and much more. Free.  

160 University Ave., Berkeley. (510) 981-6749, www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/marina.< 

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. 

"Fireworks with a View," July 4, 7-10:30 p.m. Avoid the crowds and view the fireworks over the Delta and learn about the historic Independence Day celebrations in 19th century Somersville. Registration required.  

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.< 

CRANEWAY PAVILION  

Oakland East Bay Symphony, July 3, 6:30-10 p.m. Celebrate Independence Day with a patriotic program of music and fireworks. Program also features Khalil Shaheed and Oaktown Jazz Workshops and the Hilltop Community Church Choir. Free. www.oebs.org. 

1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond. (510) 735-1133, www.craneway.com.< 

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.  

"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. 

"Fourth of July Party," July 4, 1 p.m.-9 p.m. Enjoy live music on the flight deck, tour the historic ship, play interactive games, sip beer and wine, and of course, watch fireworks over San Francisco Bay. $10-$25; children under 5 are free. 

"Independence Day 2010," July 4, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Featuring live music on the flight deck, interactive games for all ages and a bounce house for kids. Tours of the aircraft carrier are available until 8 p.m. In the evening, visitors can watch Bay Area fireworks from the flight deck. $10-$25.  

$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.< 

YOSHI'S  

"Yoshi's Fourth of July weekend Blues Festival," through July 3, 8 and 10 p.m. With Chris Thomas King on Jul. 1 and James Cotton Superharp Band Jul. 2 and 3. $16-$24.  

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.<

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. 

OPENING -- "Crosss Currents," July 8 through July 30. Works by 38 California artists in various media.  

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  

"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.  

"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.  

"Marisa Olson: Double Bind," through Aug. 31. With a pair of provocative YouTube videos, Olson unravels the promise and pitfalls of online participatory culture.  

"Himalayan Pilgrimage," through Dec. 19. Exhibition features sculpture and painting dating from the ninth to the eighteenth centuries and drawn from a private collection on long-term loan to the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive.  

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.< 

CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY  

HISTORY WALKABOUTS -- A series of walking tours that explore the history, lore and architecture of California with veteran tour guide Gary Holloway. Walks are given on specific weekends. There is a different meeting place for each weekend and walks take place rain or shine so dress for the weather. Reservations and prepayment required. Meeting place will be given with confirmation of tour reservation. Call for details.  

678 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 357-1848, www.californiahistoricalsociety.org.< 

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. 

"Beyond Blastoff: Surviving in Space," An interactive exhibit that allows you to immerse yourself into the life of an astronaut to experience the mixture of exhilaration, adventure and confinement that is living and working in space.  

"Chabot Observatories: A View to the Stars," Explore the history of the Chabot observatories and how its historic telescopes are used today. Daytime visitors can virtually operate a telescope, experiment with mirrors and lenses to understand how telescopes create images of distant objects and travel through more than a century of Chabot's history via multimedia kiosks, historical images and artifact displays.  

EVENTS --  

"Daytime Telescope Viewing," Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. View the sun, the moon and the planets through the telescopes during the day. Free with general admission. 

"Live Daytime Planetarium Show," Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Ride through real-time constellations, stars and planets with Chabot's full-dome digital projection system. 

"Galaxy Explorers Hands-On Fun," Saturday, noon-4 p.m. The Galaxy Explorers lead a variety of fun, hands-on activities, such as examining real spacesuits, creating galaxy flipbooks, learning about telescopes, minerals and skulls and making your own comet. Free with general admission. 

Center Admission: $14.95; $10.95 children 3-12; free children under 3; $3 discount for seniors and students. 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.; Also open on Tuesdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. after June 29. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510) 336-7300, www.chabotspace.org.< 

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. 

"Architects at Play," This hands-on, construction-based miniexhibit provides children with the opportunity to create free-form structures, from skyscrapers to bridges, using KEVA planks.  

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 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.< 

LAWRENCE HALL OF SCIENCE  

"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.  

"Animal Discovery Room,,' 1:30-4 p.m. Visitors of all ages can hold and touch gentle animals, learn about their behavior and habitats and play with self-guided activities and specimen models.  

"Forces That Shape the Bay," This science park shows and explains why the San Francisco Bay is the way it is, with information on water, erosion, plate tectonics and mountain building.  

"Ingenuity in Action," Summer 2010. Enjoy the best of the Ingenuity Lab. Engage your creative brain and use a variety of materials to design, build and test your own innovations.  

"Kapla," Play with simple, versatile building blocks that can be used to build very large, high and stable structures.  

"KidsLab," This multisensory play area includes larger-than-life blocks, a crawl-through kaleidoscope, the Gravity wall, a puppet theater and a reading area.  

"NanoZone," Discover the science of nanotechnology through handson activities and games.  

"Planetarium," Explore the skies in this interactive planetarium.  

"Science on a Sphere," Catch an out-of-this-world experience with an animated globe. See hurricanes form, tsunamis sweep across the oceans and city lights glow around the planet.  

EVENTS --  

"Scream Machines -- The Science of Roller Coasters, through Jan. 2. This head-spinning, stomach-churning exhibition for thrill-seekers features interactive exhibits, artifacts and images to explore.  

"Summer Fun Days," through Aug. 18. Become a raptor expert, learn the science of the trapeze, engineer the perfect boat or test the ice cream that you yourself make.  

$6-$12; 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. 

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.< 

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. 

"What the World Needs Now." through July 15. Exhibition features artwork by Bay Area children in grades K-12 on themes of social justice, community awareness and world peace, selected by a jury of artists, professionals and community leaders.  

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.< 

MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY The museum features local artifacts, pictures, flags and drawings commemorating the valley's history. It also houses a historical narrative frieze. In addition to a permanent exhibit on the valley's history, the museum sponsors revolving exhibits and several guided tours. The restored railroad depot that houses the museum was built on the San Ramon Branch Line of the Southern Pacific Railroad 108 years ago. 

SPECIAL EXHIBITS --  

Free. August: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The Depot, West Prospect and Railroad avenues, Danville. (925) 837-3750, www.museumsrv.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. 

"Explore our New Gallery," through Dec. 2. The new Gallery of California Art showcases more than 800 works from OMCA's collection-one of the largest and most comprehensive holdings of California art in the world.  

"Gallery of California History," through Dec. 2. This new gallery is based on the theme of Coming to California.  

"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 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  

OPENING -- "Pinball Style: Drama and Design," July 2 through Aug. 1. Exhibition comments on pinball art from the 1940s through the 2000s.  

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  

"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.  

"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. 

"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. 

"Fourth of July Party," July 4, 1 p.m.-9 p.m. Enjoy live music on the flight deck, tour the historic ship, play interactive games, sip beer and wine, and of course, watch fireworks over San Francisco Bay. $10-$25; children under 5 are free. 

$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.<

ALAMEDA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS  

"A Day at the Races," July 10, Noon-6 p.m. Includes buffeon lunch, a lesson on places bets, horseracing and more. Proceeds benefit Axis Community Health. $50. www.axishealth.org. 

4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. (925) 426-7600, www.alamedacountyfair.com.< 

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.< 

AUCTIONS BY THE BAY  

"ArtiFacts: A Lecture Series for Collectors," Guest curators, scholars and conservation experts from throughout the Bay Area discuss the art of collecting. First Sunday of every month, 3 p.m. $7.  

Auctions by the Bay Theater-Auction House, 2700 Saratoga St., Alameda. (510) 835-6187, www.auctionsbythebay.com.< 

AUTOBODY FINE ART  

"Sniff the Dog Movie," July 3, 7-10 p.m. Kick off Petapalooza, which culminates in a "Dog Days Event'' on Jul. 24, with this film screening. $35.  

1517 Park Street, Alameda. (510) 865-2608.< 

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.< 

BERKELEY MARINA  

"Fourth of July Celebration," July 4, Noon-10 p.m. Featuring music, dancers, jugglers, an adventure playground and much more. Free.  

160 University Ave., Berkeley. (510) 981-6749, www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/marina.< 

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.< 

CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY  

HISTORY WALKABOUTS -- A series of walking tours that explore the history, lore and architecture of California with veteran tour guide Gary Holloway. Walks are given on specific weekends. There is a different meeting place for each weekend and walks take place rain or shine so dress for the weather. Reservations and prepayment required. Meeting place will be given with confirmation of tour reservation. Call for details.  

678 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 357-1848, www.californiahistoricalsociety.org.< 

CALIFORNIA MAGIC THEATER  

"Dinner Theater Magic Show," Friday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Enter the joyous and bewildering world of illusions and magic while chowing down on a home cooked meal. Each weekend features different professional magicians. Recommended for ages 13 and older. $54-$64 includes meal.  

729 Castro St., Martinez. (925) 374-0056, www.calmagic.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.  

"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. 

"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. 

"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. 

"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. 

"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. 

Center Admission: $14.95; $10.95 children 3-12; free children under 3; $3 discount for seniors and students. 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.; Also open on Tuesdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. after June 29. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510) 336-7300, www.chabotspace.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.< 

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  

"Dancing Under the Stars," July 2 and July 9, 8:30-10 p.m. The Linden Street Dance Studio provides free dance lessons to all at the foot of Broadway.  

"Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Cooking Demonstration," July 4, 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Chef Sim Peyron offers a cooking demonstration that utilizes fresh seasonal ingredients.  

Orquest D'Sol, July 6, Noon-2 p.m.  

"Julie and Julia," July 8, 8 p.m. An outdoor movie event on Market Lawn.  

P-PL, Bill Norwood, July 9, Noon-2 p.m.  

"Dog Days of Summer," July 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Take your dog for a walk and join the Oakland SPCA in getting a photographic portrait of your pet.  

Foot of Broadway, Oakland. (866) 295-9853, www.jacklondonsquare.com.< 

JC CELLARS  

"Annual Beach Party," July 10, 1-4 p.m. Featuring wine, food, music and a children's craft table. $25-$30.  

55 Fourth St., Oakland. (510) 465-5900.< 

LA PENA CULTURAL CENTER  

"Domingo de Rumba," July 4, 3:30-6 p.m. Free.  

Tanaora, July 8, 8 p.m. $7-$10.  

Richelle Donigan, Sparlha Swa, July 9, 8 p.m. $15-$50.  

Flamenco Al Andaluz, July 11, 8 p.m. $20-$25.  

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

$6-$12; 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.< 

MARTINEZ'S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION July 4. Starts with a pancake breakfast, followed by 10 a.m. parade down Main Street. There will be a celebration in the town plaza from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with arts and crafts and kids activities.  

Takes place in Main Street Plaza and on Main Street, Martinez 

Free.8 a.m. - 4 p.m.(925) 228-3577, www.mainstreetmartinez.org.< 

ORINDA'S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION July 4. Starts with a pancake breakfast in Orinda Community Center Park on Orinda Way on the north side of town. The parade starts at 11 a.m. near the Orinda Theatre on the south side of town and continues under the freeway to the Community Park. Activities after the parade include a hot-dog eating contest. 

7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.(925) 284-0800, www.orindaassociation.org.< 

RABBITEARS  

"Kensington First Friday Art Walk," July 2, 6-9 p.m. Featuring original art works, music and crafts at Colusa Circle.  

377 Colusa Ave., Kensington. (510) 525-6155.< 

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.  

"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. 

"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. 

"Fourth of July Party," July 4, 1 p.m.-9 p.m. Enjoy live music on the flight deck, tour the historic ship, play interactive games, sip beer and wine, and of course, watch fireworks over San Francisco Bay. $10-$25; children under 5 are free. 

"Independence Day 2010," July 4, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Featuring live music on the flight deck, interactive games for all ages and a bounce house for kids. Tours of the aircraft carrier are available until 8 p.m. In the evening, visitors can watch Bay Area fireworks from the flight deck. $10-$25.  

$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.<

CARMEN FLORES RECREATION CENTER  

"El Corazon de la Communidad: The Heart of the Community", Painted by Joaquin Alejandro Newman, this mural installation consists of four 11-foot panels that mix ancient Meso-American and contemporary imagery to pay homage to local activists Carmen Flores and Josie de la Cruz.  

Free unless otherwise noted. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 1637 Fruitvale Ave., Oakland. (510) 535-5631.< 

CREATIVE GROWTH ART CENTER  

CLOSING -- "Straight to the Bone," through July 23. Works by Regis-R, Prince of Plastic and Creative Growth artists.  

Free. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 355 24th St., Oakland. (510) 836-2340 X15, www.creativegrowth.org.< 

DAVID BROWER CENTER  

"Water, Rivers and People/ Agua, Rios y Pueblos," through Aug. 31. Exhibition depicts those who are fighting to defend rivers and the people who depend on them.  

2150 Allston Way, Berkeley. < 

FLOAT  

"Surrender," through July 31. Digital paintings by Android Jones and light sculptures by Michael Clarke.  

Free. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; by appointment. 1091 Calcot Place, Unit 116, Oakland. (510) 535-1702, www.thefloatcenter.com.< 

JOHANSSON PROJECTS  

"If Only ," through July 17. Works by Rune Olsen.  

Free. Thursday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. 2300 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. (510) 444-9140, www.johanssonprojects.com.< 

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.  

"Kapla," The hands-on exhibit features thousands of versatile building blocks that can be used to build very large, high and stable structures and models of bridges, buildings, animals or anything else your mind can conceive.  

$6-$12; 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. 

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.< 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ART AND DISABILITIES  

"Word Play," through Aug. 20. NIAD artists manipulate and repeat letters to create their own language, transform words into hybrid forms, utilize captions to tell a story, or their autograph can become a focal point of their work.  

551 23rd St., Richmond. (510) 620-0290, www.niadart.org.< 

OAKLAND ASIAN CULTURAL CENTER  

"Oakland's 19th-Century San Pablo Avenue Chinatown," A permanent exhibit of new findings about the rediscovered Chinatown on San Pablo Avenue. The exhibit aims to inform visitors about the upcoming archaeological work planned to explore the lives of early Chinese pioneers in the 1860s.  

Free. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Pacific Renaissance Plaza, 388 Ninth St., Suite 290, Oakland. (510) 637-0455, www.oacc.cc.< 

OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT  

"Going Away, Coming Home," A 160-foot public art installation by Mills College art professor Hung Liu. Liu hand painted 80 red-crowned cranes onto 65 panels of glass that were then fired, tempered and paired with background panes that depict views of a satellite photograph, ranging from the western United States to the Asia Pacific Area. Terminal 2.  

Free. Daily, 24 hours, unless otherwise noted. Oakland International Airport, 1 Airport Drive, Oakland. (510) 563-3300, www.flyoakland.com.< 

OAKLAND MARRIOTT CITY CENTER  

"Spirits Known and Unknown," through July 31. Photographs of Kamau Amen-Ra.  

1001 Broadway, Oakland. (510) 451-4000.< 

SCULPTURE COURT AT OAKLAND CITY CENTER  

Shawn E. HibmaCronan, through July 30. Presented by the Oakland Museum of California.  

Free. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; third Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oakland City Center, 1111 Broadway, Oakland. <

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 --  

"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.  

"Animal Feeding," Thursday-Sunday, 3 p.m. Feed the pigs, check for eggs and bring hay to the livestock. 

"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. 

"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. 

"Potato Harvesting," Learn the spectacular history of this New World native as you dig with your spade and help find the spuds. 

"Barnyard Buddies," July 3 and July 31, 11 a.m. Get close to your favorite barnyard pals. 

"Blueberry Madness," July 3, Noon-1 p.m. Learn the history of the bluebery while making blueberry muffins in the woodburning stove. 

"Satisfying Sugar Cookies," July 10, Noon-1 p.m. Help roll and press cookies. 

"Chores in the Vegetable Garden," July 10 and July 17, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Plant seeds and turn compost in the vegetable garden. 

"Ecstatic for Ice Cream," July 10, 1-2:30 p.m. Learn to make old-fashioned ice cream. 

"The Art of Victorian Gardening," July 11, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Explore the Heirloom Vegetable Garden. 

$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. 

"Fireworks with a View," July 4, 7-10:30 p.m. Avoid the crowds and view the fireworks over the Delta and learn about the historic Independence Day celebrations in 19th century Somersville. Registration required.  

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.  

"Hug the Earth," July 4, 1-3 p.m. Uncover the secret of waste reduction, recycling and other ways to be earth-friendly. 

"Ohlone Village Site Open House," July 4, 10 a.m.-noon; 1-4 p.m. Visit a more than 2,000-year-old Ohlone village site. 

"Nectar Garden Activities," July 5, 10 a.m.-noon. Come face-to-face with a caterpillar, chrysalis or a butterfly. 

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 --  

"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. 

"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. 

"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. 

"Bird Beaks and Feet," July 3, 1-1:30 p.m. Learn about birds and how they eat. 

"30th Anniversary Open House," July 4, 2-5 p.m. Explore the touch tank, make nature crafts and more. 

"Seaside Sun Catchers," July 10, 1-2 p.m. Make a sun catcher and learn about sea life. 

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. 

"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. 

"July Laws," July 3, 11 a.m.-noon. Learn about how sharks are different from fish and how they live.  

"West Winton Bird Walk," July 10, 8-10 a.m. Watch for Willet and Curlews.  

"Lil' Snake Charmers," July 11, Noon-1 p.m. Learn about the gopher snake.  

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 --  

"Grand Opening of Wild Australia Exhibit," July 3, 10 a.m. Honorary guest Liam Mayclem from CBS5's "Eye on the Bay'' will be on hand for a special ribbon cutting ceremony at this family friendly event celebrating a new exhibit that explores the wonders of Australia. 

"Mountain Gorillas and the One Health Program," July 7, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Join Prosper Uwingeli, Chief Warden of Volcanoes National Park, and Kirsten Gilardi, Director of Mountain Gorilla One Health at UC Davis for a talk about the innovative new strategy linking the health of humans, animals, and the environment, and the success with Mountain Gorillas. Event takes place in the Marian Zimmer Auditorium. $10-$20. 

$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.< 

REI BERKELEY A series of lectures on hikes and outdoor equipment. 

"Peaks, Lakes and Waterfalls: Rambling in Northern Italy and Croatia," July 7, 7 p.m. Join Tina Amidon and Jim Dougherty for a digital presentation on their three-week adventure of these regions.  

Events are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 1338 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. (510) 527-4140.< 

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.< 

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.< 

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. 

"Early Hike to Magpie Swale," July 11, 7-10 a.m. Discover where the magpies dwell. 

"Stream Creatures," July 11, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Explore Alameda Creek for the mysterious creatures beneath the surface. 

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 --  

"Get Your Fish Face On," July 10, 2-3 p.m. Explore a day in the life of a fish. 

"Sushio Workshop for the More Adventurous," July 10, 11:30-2:30 p.m. Make and taste seven of the more exotic varieties of sushi. $30-$40. 

"A Butterfly Bonanza," July 11, 2-3 p.m. Capture and release buckeye butterflies, ringlets, swallowtails and more. 

"Toddler Nature Walk," July 11, 10:30-11:30 a.m. A nature adventure for young children and their grown-up friends. 

"Quarry Trail, Tilden Regional Park," July 2, 10 a.m. Join East Bay moms on a moderate 3-mile loo. (510) 882-5097. 

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.<

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. 

"Blueberry Madness," July 3, Noon-1 p.m. Learn the history of the bluebery while making blueberry muffins in the woodburning stove. 

"Barnyard Buddies," July 3 and July 31, 11 a.m. Get close to your favorite barnyard pals. 

"Satisfying Sugar Cookies," July 10, Noon-1 p.m. Help roll and press cookies. 

"Chores in the Vegetable Garden," July 10 and July 17, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Plant seeds and turn compost in the vegetable garden. 

"Ecstatic for Ice Cream," July 10, 1-2:30 p.m. Learn to make old-fashioned ice cream. 

"The Art of Victorian Gardening," July 11, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Explore the Heirloom Vegetable Garden. 

$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 POINT LIBRARY  

"Monthly Craft Night," Last Friday of every month, 4-5 p.m. Each month features a different themed craft.  

Riverview Middle School, 205 Pacifica Ave., Pittsburg. (925) 458-9597.< 

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.< 

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.  

"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. change. Call for current show schedule. Price with paid general admission is $6-$7. Theater only: $7-$8. (510) 336-7373, www.ticketweb.com. 

"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. 

"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 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. 

"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. 

Center Admission: $14.95; $10.95 children 3-12; free children under 3; $3 discount for seniors and students. 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.; Also open on Tuesdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. after June 29. 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. 

"The Wind In The Willows," July 3 through July 4, 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.  

Jean Paul Valjean, July 3 through July 4, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Valjean delights audiences with his acrobatics and juggling with the "Short Attention Span Circus".  

"The Golden Reed," July 10 through July 11, 12:30 and 3 p.m. A dragon is kidnapping the children, and a young boy sets out to rescue them.  

John Weaver, July 10 through July 11, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Weaver entertains with his lively, humor-filled stories for children of all ages.  

$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 Village Site Open House," July 4, 10 a.m.-noon; 1-4 p.m. Visit a more than 2,000-year-old Ohlone village site. 

"Hug the Earth," July 4, 1-3 p.m. Uncover the secret of waste reduction, recycling and other ways to be earth-friendly. 

"Nectar Garden Activities," July 5, 10 a.m.-noon. Come face-to-face with a caterpillar, chrysalis or a butterfly. 

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 --  

"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. 

"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. 

"Bird Beaks and Feet," July 3, 1-1:30 p.m. Learn about birds and how they eat. 

"30th Anniversary Open House," July 4, 2-5 p.m. Explore the touch tank, make nature crafts and more. 

"Seaside Sun Catchers," July 10, 1-2 p.m. Make a sun catcher and learn about sea life. 

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 --  

"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. 

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.< 

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.  

$6-$12; 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.< 

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 --  

"Grand Opening of Wild Australia Exhibit," July 3, 10 a.m. Honorary guest Liam Mayclem from CBS5's "Eye on the Bay'' will be on hand for a special ribbon cutting ceremony at this family friendly event celebrating a new exhibit that explores the wonders of Australia. 

"Mountain Gorillas and the One Health Program," July 7, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Join Prosper Uwingeli, Chief Warden of Volcanoes National Park, and Kirsten Gilardi, Director of Mountain Gorilla One Health at UC Davis for a talk about the innovative new strategy linking the health of humans, animals, and the environment, and the success with Mountain Gorillas. Event takes place in the Marian Zimmer Auditorium. $10-$20. 

$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.< 

OHLONE COLLEGE  

"Ohlone for Kids and Teens," through Aug. 12. Learn about biology, try lego robotics, journey into outer space and more. www.ohloneforkids.com. 

43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont. (510) 659-6285, www.ohlone.edu.< 

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.< 

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 --  

"Get Your Fish Face On," July 10, 2-3 p.m. Explore a day in the life of a fish. 

"Sushio Workshop for the More Adventurous," July 10, 11:30-2:30 p.m. Make and taste seven of the more exotic varieties of sushi. $30-$40. 

"Toddler Nature Walk," July 11, 10:30-11:30 a.m. A nature adventure for young children and their grown-up friends. 

"A Butterfly Bonanza," July 11, 2-3 p.m. Capture and release buckeye butterflies, ringlets, swallowtails and more. 

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. 

"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. 

"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. 

"Fourth of July Party," July 4, 1 p.m.-9 p.m. Enjoy live music on the flight deck, tour the historic ship, play interactive games, sip beer and wine, and of course, watch fireworks over San Francisco Bay. $10-$25; children under 5 are free. 

"Independence Day 2010," July 4, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Featuring live music on the flight deck, interactive games for all ages and a bounce house for kids. Tours of the aircraft carrier are available until 8 p.m. In the evening, visitors can watch Bay Area fireworks from the flight deck. $10-$25.  

$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.<

ELKS LODGE, ALAMEDA  

"All You Can Dance Sunday Socials," Sunday, 4-6 p.m. Marilyn Bowe and Robert Henneg presents monthly socials with ballroom, swing, Latin and rock & roll themes. www.dancewithme.info. 

2255 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda. (510) 864-2256.< 

JACK LONDON SQUARE  

"Dancing Under the Stars," July 2 and July 9, 8:30-10 p.m. The Linden Street Dance Studio provides free dance lessons to all at the foot of Broadway.  

Foot of Broadway, Oakland. (866) 295-9853, www.jacklondonsquare.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.< 

SOLAD DANCE CENTER  

"Persian Dance," Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 and 10 p.m. Rosa Rojas offers traditional dance classes. $10.  

Citrus Marketplace, 2260 Oak Grove Rd., Walnut Creek. (925) 938-3300.< 

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.<

July 1, 2010 is the official David Brower Day, honoring firebrand environmentalist and community activist of the same name. David Brower is considered by many to be the father of the modern environmental movement. With a vision and influence equaled in the last century only by Rachel Carson and Jacques Cousteau, David Brower created a legacy of activism which focused on the interconnectedness of the world around us. Brower had an unmatched talent for articulating what we were doing to our planet, and the urgent need for remedial action. Brower’s message and vision made the environmental movement part of our day-to-day lives and led thousands of activists across many generations to put the Earth first 

David Brower holds a long list of accomplishments throughout his life as an activist. Among many of his accomplishments, Brower served as the first executive director of the Sierra Club from 1952-1969 and is largely credited with increasing the organization’s membership. By the end of his tenure, the Sierra Club had become the nation’s leading environmental membership organization. Brower later founded Friends of the Earth (www.foe.org), a worldwide environmental network now active throughout the world, co-founded the League of Conservation Voters, the nation’s leading environmental political action group, and founded Earth Island Institute in 1982. Brower was also instrumental to the success of many environmental campaigns, including the passage of the Wilderness Act of 1964, which protects millions of acres of public lands in pristine condition. Brower died in his Berkeley home in late 2000. Eighty-eight years of courageous activism made Brower one of the most successful environmental advocates of our time. As a way of celebrating the accomplishments of the local boy turned environmental activist, the City of Berkeley in 2000 sanctioned July 1st as the official “David Brower Day”.  

In honor of David Brower’s legacy, the David Brower Center will collaborate with youth from the South Berkeley YMCA and Berkeley City Council Members in Berkeley on July 1st for a non-public event.