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TUESDAY, FEB. 3 

UC Hotel and Conference Center, Planning Commission Sub-Committee, meets at 1 p.m. in the 2nd floor conference room, Permit Center, 2120 Milvia St. 

“Whales, Bears, Eagles and Icebergs: The Wonders of Alaska” with wildlife photographer Ron Sanford at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“Conscience and the Constitution” a film about the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WW2, at 6 p.m. at Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Ave. Sponsored by Refuse and Resist. 704-5293. 

Writers’ Room Coach Training is offered from 7 to 9:30 p.m. for volunteers who would like to help students improve their writing and critical thinking skills. To attend please call 849-4134 or email Bloomburgh@sbcglobal.net 

“Taking Care of Your Elderly Parent” meets Tuesdays, Feb. 3 - 24 at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. Fee is $40. 848-0327, ext. 112. 

Berkeley Ecological and Safe Trasportation (BEST) monthly meeting at 6 p.m. at the Berkeley Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 913-4682. 

“Judaism, What is it all About?” an interactive lecture series with Rabbi Judah Dardik, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Beth Jacob Congregation, 3778 Park Blvd., Oakland. 482-1147. www.bethjacoboakland.org 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers We are a few slowpoke seniors who walk between a mile or two each Tuesday, meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the Little Farm parking lot. To join us, call 215-7672.  

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Paul Bendix, Transportation Advocate, will talk about Amtrak’s Coast Starlight and the future of Amtrak at 11 a.m. 845-6830. 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 234-4783. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4 

Public Meeting/Workshop on West Street, formerly Santa Fe Railroad Right of Way, Improvement Project for Bikeway and Pedestrian Path that will run from Delaware St. to University Ave., at 7 p.m. at Ala Costa Center, 1300 Rose St. For information call Niran at 981-6396 or Michael at 981-2490. 

Lynne Stewart will speak at 6 p.m. at Boalt Law School, UC Campus. Sponsored by the National Laywers Guild. For more information call 684-8270. www.lynnstewart.org 

Want your country back? Join your neighbors at the next Meet-up for Democratic presidential Candidate Howard Dean. Learn more about Dr. Dean, and what you can do to make a difference, at 7 p.m. at three Berkeley locations: Au Coquelet, 2000 University Ave., Sweet Basil Thai, 1736 Solano Ave., and Raleigh's, 2438 Telegraph Ave. 843-8724. http://Dean2004.Meetup.com.  

Northbrae Community Church monthly dinner at 6 p.m. at 941 The Alameda. The Berkeley Camera Club will show slides on “Bhutan and Nepal.” Dinner cost is $7.50 for adults, $3.50 for children. For reservations call 526-3805.  

Fun with Acting class meets at 11 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Free, all are welcome. 985-0373. 

Prose Writers Workshop We’re a serious but lively bunch whose focus is on issues of craft. Novices welcome. Experienced facilitator. Community sponsored, no fee. Meets 7 to 9 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut, at Rose. For information call 524-3034. 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Station, corner of Shattuck and Center. Vigil at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. ww.geocities.com/ 

vigil4peace/vigil 

Amnesty International Berkeley Community Group meets at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1606 Bonita Ave., at Cedar St. 872-0768. 

Berkeley CopWatch open office hours 7 to 9 p.m. Drop in to file complaints, assistance available. 548-0425. 

Berkeley Communicators Toastmasters meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 7:15 a.m. at Hide-A-Way Café, 6430 Telegraph Ave. For information call Fred Garvey, 925-682-1111, ext. 164. 

Free Feldenkrais ATM Classes for adults 55 and older at 10:30 and 11:45 a.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut at Rose. For information call 848-0237. 

THURSDAY, FEB. 5 

Tuesday Morning Birdwalk at Tilden Nature Center from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Call if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

“Oil, Power and Empire: Iraq & the U.S. Global Agenda” with Larry Everest and Daniel Ellsberg, at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. 548-0542. www.mecaforpeace.org 

“Insurrection: Citizen Challenges to Corporate Power” with Kevin Danaher and Jason Mark from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way. 548-2220, ext. 233.  

Berkeley Democratic Club general meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda.  

Alameda County Measure A organizing committee to support the initiave which would raise the sales tax to support our county’s public health system from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m at District 5 headquarters, 2135 Broadway, Oakland.  

“The Bancroft Library: Past, Present, and Future” with Charles Faulhaber, Director of The Bancroft Library, at 6 p.m. at the Society of California Pioneers, 300 Fourth St. at Folsom in SF. 415-957-1849. www.californiapioneers.org 

“How the West was Made: Faults, Plates, and Other Geological Wonders” with Dr. Tanya Atwater, professor of geophysics at U.C. Santa Barbara, at 7:30 p.m. at The College Preparatory School, Buttner Auditorium, 6100 Broadway (north), Oakland. Cost is $5-$10. 658-5202.  

Presentations and Public Dialogue on 9/11, Demolishing Pretexts For The “War On Terror” at 6:30 p.m. at 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. Sponsored by the Social Justice Committee of the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists. Suggested donation $5. 527-7543.  

Berkeley Liberation Radio 104.1 FM holds public meetings for all interested people first and third Thursdays, 7 p.m. at the Long Haul Info Shop, 3124 Shattuck Ave. 595-0190.  

FRIDAY, FEB. 6 

Tom Torlakson, California State Senator, will speak on “Regionalism: New Thinking for A New Century” at 1:30 p.m. at UC Berkeley Alumni House Toll Room. Sponsored by UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) and the Political Science Department. 642-1474. 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with As’ad Abukhallil, Prof. Dept. of Politics, CSU, Stanislaus, “The Middle East After the Iraq War” Luncheon 11:45 a.m. $11.50 - $12.50. Speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925.  

Upper San Leandro Reservoir Hike at 4 p.m. Meet at Valle Vistas Staging area. Rain cancels. For more information call Vonnie 925-376-5352 or Phyllis 525-2299. Sponsored by the Sierra Club Solo Sierrans. 

Berkeley Chess Club meets Fridays at 7:15 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Players at all levels are welcome. 652-5324. 

Women in Black Vigil, from noon to 1 p.m. at UC Berkeley, Bancroft at Telegraph. wibberkeley@yahoo.com, 548-6310, 845-1143. 

Meditation, Peace Vigil and Dialogue, gather at noon on the grass close to the West Entrance to UC Berkeley, on Oxford St. near University Ave. People of all traditions are welcome to join us. Sponsored by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship 655-6169. www.bpf.org 

Overeaters Anonymous meets at 1:30 p.m. at the Northbrae Church at Solano and The Alameda. Parking is free and is handicapped accessible. 525-5231. 

SATURDAY, FEB. 7 

Tour of Proposed UC Hotel and Conference Center Complex with UC Senior Planner & Project Manager Kevin Hufferd and organized by The Planning Commission subcommittee. Meet at 10 a.m. at the plaza in front of the Bank of America on the east side of Shattuck near Center St. In the event of inclement weather, the tour will be rescheduled. 

“A Walk Through History” The legacy of the past is on display in this stroll around Aquatic Park’s Middle Pond. Meet outside the Cabin at the park’s southern entrance at 10 a.m. Aquatic Park EGRET egret@lmi.net or 549-0818. 

Gardening for Wildlife Learn to diversify your gardens by including CA native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers that provide food, shelter, and nesting places for a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremont. Cost is $25, pre-registration required. 231-9430. mary@aoinstitute.org 

Kids Garden Club We'll build a cob greenhouse for the season of cold and chills. From 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. Cost is $3. Wheelchair accessible. 525-2233. tnarea@ebparks.org 

Walk in the Eastshore State Park Learn about plans for creek daylighting and nature restoration. Meet at Sea Breeze market, University Ave. just west of the freeway at 10 a.m. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

Garden Basics, Part I with Robin North. Learn how to prepare for this spring’s planting season, and acquire some strategies for long-term success. At 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

Free Emergency Preparedness Class on Responding to Terrorism for anyone who lives or works in Berkeley, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Fire Department Training Center, 997 Cedar St. Register on-line at www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/fire/oes.html or by calling 981-5506. 

Free Emergency Preparedness Class on Earthquake Retrofitting for anyone who lives or works in Berkeley, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Building Education Centre, 812 Page St. Register on-line at www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/fire/oes.html or by calling 981-5506. 

Piedmont Children’s Choir Auditions for ages 7-10, 9:30 a.m. to noon. Children with no experience are encouraged to apply. To arrange an appointment call, 547-4441, ext. 2. 

An Evening of Improv Comedy with Platypus Jones at 8 p.m. at Café Eclectica, 1309 Solano Ave. Cost is $7, $5 with student i.d. 338-3899. 

The East Bay Marxist Forum Political Affairs Readers Group meets at 10 a.m. to discuss Democracy Matters: An Interview with Sam Webb, Chair of the Communist Party, USA, at 10 a.m. at the Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library 6501 Telegraph Ave. Oakland. 595-7417. 

Introduction to the Alexander Technique, an educational method that helps you eliminate harmful habits of tension through increased awareness and control in everyday activities. From 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Berkeley YWCA, 2600 Bancroft Way. 848-6370.  

Visual Arts and Theological Studies Conference with a focus on the theological themes in three works of art: Junko Chodos’ “Requiem for a Executed Bird,” Stephen De Staebler’s “Winged Figure,” and Daniel Solomon’s Beth Israel Memorial Chapel. From 8:45 to 5:30 p.m. in the GTU Hewlett Library. Cost is $50, students $15. 849-8285. 

Rainbow Cafe ASTRAEA Fundraiser, lesbian singles dining and book tasting at 7:30 p.m. at Boadecia’s Books, 398 Colusa Ave. Cost is $30, dinner included. RSVP required with www.eastbayvoice.org/tickets 

Yoga for Seniors at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St., on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Open to non-members of the club for $8 per class. 848-7800. 

SUNDAY, FEB. 8 

“Shorebirds of Berkeley's Wetlands” An array of over-wintering ducks has joined the resident population at Aquatic Park. Meet outside the Cabin at the park’s southern entrance at 2 p.m. Aquatic Park EGRET egret@lmi.net or 549-0818. 

Botanic Garden Foray Search for stinkpods, and learn why they should be called “stickpods” and other early bloomers in this native plant oasis. From 10 a.m. to noon at Tilden Botanical Garden, in Tilden Park. 525-2233. tnarea@ebparks.org 

Berkeley Women and the History of the University’s YWCA Dorothy Clemens, author of a book on the University’s YWCA, will discuss the role of Berkeley women, both town and gown, and the history of our own YWCA. From 2 to 4 p.m. at the Berkeley History Center, 1931 Center St. 848-0181. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/histsoc/ 

A Tu B’Shvat Seder, celebrating the Jewish holiday of the trees will be held at 5:30 pm, at the Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. A benefit for the Jerusalem based Rabbis for Human Rights. 

Valentine’s Day Card Workshop Join us to make cards and to learn about the cultural history of Valentine’s Day, from 10 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Area. Meterials provided. Cost is $5, non-residents $7. 525-2233. tnarea@ebparks.org 

Chocolate Tastings with Alice Medrich, author of “BitterSweet: Recipes and Tales from a Life in Chocolate” at 1 p.m. at The Pasta Shop, 1786 Fourth St. 528-1786. 

Workshop on Storytelling for the whole family from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Berkeley Rep School of Theater, 2071 Addison St. Admission is free, please bring a children’s book as a donation to the John Muir School Library. 647-2972. 

The Berkeley Cybersalon invites everyone to a participatory discussion on the New Publishing Model with journalists/publishers from the SF Chronicle, Salon, Wired, and the UCB Graduate School of Journalism from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. $10 donation requested. www.berkeleycybersalon.com  

8th Annual Bike Film Fest from 4 to 9 p.m. at La Peña, 3015 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10-$20. Fundraiser for Bicycle Friendly Berkeley Coalition (BFBC).. Free valet bike parking. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

MONDAY, FEB. 9 

“Fifty Years: Brown v. Board of Education: A Troubled Legacy” with Waldo Martin, Professor of History at UC Berkeley, at 10 a.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

The Women’s Cancer Resource Center Volunteer Orientation for compassionate volunteers to help support women with cancer and their loved ones. From 6 tp 8 p.m. Please call Emily for more information 601-4040, ext. 109. emily@wcrc.org 

Fitness for 55+ A total body workout including aerobics, stretching and strengthing at 1:15 p.m. every Monday at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5170. 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Join us to work on current issues around police misconduct. Volunteers needed. For information call 548-0425. 

ONGOING 

Young People’s Symphony Orchestra misses its alums! As our nation’s second oldest youth orchestra, based in Berkeley, YPSO is in possession of a treasure trove of memorabilia dating as far back as 1936. To preserve and share these photographs, letters, programs and other interesting materials YPSO is creating a Digital Online Museum. If you participated in the Young People’s Symphony Orchestra please contact David Davis at davisde@yogashorts.com or 543-4054. 

Did Your Family Live in Berkeley from 1890 to1925? This spring the Berkeley Historical Society is opening an exhibit on early Berkeley Bohemians, artists, poets, writers, musicians, photographers and other creative folks who lived in our city 1890-1925. If your family was here then, check your photo albums and other records to see if you have any photos or personal accounts of these activities. If so, we would like to try to include this information in our exhibit. If you can help, please contact Ed Herny, co-curator for this exhibit at 415-725-4674 or by e-mail at edphemra@pacbell.net  

Vocal Jazz Workshops on Saturdays for teenagers and adults, beginners and intermediate, begin Feb. 7 and run to April 10, at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Cost is $122 for Albany residents, $132 for others. 524-9283. 

Voice Technique Classes for Adults begin Feb. 11. Cost is $290 for 8 wks. Ongoing classes for children and teens. Verna Winter Studio, 1312 Bonita Ave. 524-1601. 

Valentine Day Weddings The Alameda County Clerk-Recorder’s Office is pleased to announce that the office will be open Valentine’s Day, Sat., Feb. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to issue marriage licenses and perform wedding ceremonies. The office is located at 1106 Madison Street, in Oakland. The fee for a marriage license is $79, which includes one certified copy. The fee for a ceremony is $50 (cash or checks accepted). Interested parties should make an appointment. 272-6362.  

CITY MEETINGS 

Commission on the Status of Women meets Wed., Feb. 4, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Ruby Primus, 981-5106. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/women 

Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., Feb. 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. David Orth, 981-5502. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/firesafety 

Community Environmental Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 5, at 7 p.m., at 2118 Milvia St. Nabil Al-Hadithy, 981-7461. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/commissions/environmentaladvisory 

Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs. Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Oscar Sung, 981-5400. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/housing 

Public Works Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 5, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jeff Egeberg, 981-6406. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/publicworks 

West Berkeley Project Area Commission meets Thurs. Feb. 5, at 7 p.m., at the West Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7520. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/westberkeley