Page One

FRIDAY, MARCH 12 

Berkeley Schools Now Celebration with Assemblymember Loni Hancock, BHS Principal Jim Slemp, and Rosa Parks Principal Shirley Herrera at 3:30 p.m. at Rosa Parks School Library.  

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Izaly Cemtsov- 

ski, Prof. Slavic Studies, UCB, “Today’s Music in Central Asia.” Luncheon 11:45 a.m. Speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For reservations call 526-2925. 

Free Speech Movement Retrospective with Michael Rossman and Lynne Hollander Savio at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St., at Bonita. Suggested donation $5. 528-5403. 

Literary Friends meets at 1:15 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center to discuss Jane Austen. 232-1351. 

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. 

Berkeley Critical Mass Bike Ride meets at the Berkeley BART at 5:30 p.m. 

Women in Black Vigil, from noon to 1 p.m. at UC Berkeley, Bancroft at Telegraph. 548-6310. 

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. 655-6169.  

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 13 

National Nutrition Month celebration with cooking demonstrations, taste testing and nutrition education from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Berkeley Flea Market, Ashby BART Station. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org  

Mini-Gardeners: Seeds Learn the plant cycle and see where seeds come from, for ages 4-6 accompanied by an adult, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. Cost is $3, $4 non-resident. Registration required. 525-2233. 

Good Night Little Farm Rain or shine the animals need to be fed and put away for the night. Join us from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Little Farm. Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Compost Give-Away as part of the National Nutrition month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market, Center St. at MLK, Jr. Way. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org 

Seed Saving Workshop We’ll cover seed saving in detail, including botany and pollination, types of seeds, wet and dry seed processing methods, equipment, and seed storage. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $15 general, $10 EC members. 548-2220, ext. 233.  

School Garden Conference on starting or enhancing gardens in Bay Area Schools. Workshops will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will begin at the Lawrence Hall of Science and move to the UC Botanical Garden. Cost is $10. 495-2801. 

Alternative Materials: Cob and Strawbale A workshop on two natural building methods. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Cost is $75. 525-7610.  

Hands-on Ecological Restoration for Youth Enjoy a fun-filled, muscle building day working on a native plant restoration project at Shoreline Park in Oakland from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants should be 12 to 16 years old. Gloves, tools and snacks provided. Cost is $10. 238-3818.  

Stream Restoration Workshop taught by Ann Riley, author of “Restoring Streams in Cities,” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Urban Creeks Council, 1250 Addison St., #107-C. www.urbancreeks.org 

Help Build a Native Plant Nursery and Restore a Marsh Join the effort to restore West Stege Marsh, along the south Bayshore of Richmond, for the endangered Clapper Rail and other wildlife. From 9 a.m. Pre-registration preferred. 231-5783. martha@aoinstitute.org 

Introduction to Renewable Energy This workshop will introduce solar, wind and micro-hydro systems to homeowners who want to become their own utility companies by generating electricity with renewable energy technologies. At the Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Cost is $75. 970-963-8855. www.solarenergy.org 

Spring Care and Feeding of Roses with Deb McKay at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave. 644-2351. 

78th Annual Poets’ Dinner at 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn in Emeryville, with guest speaker Richard Silberg. Tickets are $22, available from 841-1217. 

Story Dressmaking Workshop with artist Patricia Bulitt, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Live Oak Center, 1301 Shattuck Ave. Commemorate a woman or girl who influences your life with collaging onto a brown paper cut out dress. Bring art supplies such as paint, glue, stapler, scissors. Photos, buttons, ribbons, whatever you bring to remember her. Suggested for 8 years and older. Cost is $25-$50 at the door, no one turned away for lack of funds. 841-6612.  

South Berkeley Annual Crab Festival from 5 to 7 p.m. at the South Berkeley Community Church at 1804 Fairview St. at Ellis. Music will be provided by the Stacy Wilson Trio. Tickets are $35.00 for adults and $17.50 for children. 652-1040. www.sbccucc.org 

“Honoring Transition Beyond Identity” a workshop on gender and identity awareness from noon to 5 p.m. at Toltec Center of Creative Intent, 2300 Roosevelt at Bancroft. Cost is $55-$85, sliding scale. To register call 649-0352, ext. 4. 

Yoga for Seniors at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St., from 10 to 11 a.m. 848-7800. 

Car Wash Benefit for Options Recovery Services of Berkeley, held every Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church, 1744 University Ave. 666-9552. 

SUNDAY, MARCH 14 

Green Sunday The Green Party and the 2004 Presidential Race, panel discussion at 5 p.m. at the Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave. at 65th in North Oakland.  

Butterfly Club for ages 8 and up. Learn about these colorful insects, growing native plants and habitat restoration. From 1 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area. Registration required. 525-2233. 

Singing in the Rain Join us on a hike from 1 to 3 p.m. and learn how to identify slender salamanders, singing tree frogs and the California newt. Dress for mud and rain. At Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

“The Fourth World War” with Stephen Funk, imprisoned for refusing to fight in the Iraq War at 3 p.m. at Fellowship of Humanity Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. 644-6466. 

“From Risk to Action: Women and HIV/AIDS in Ethopia” a film presentation and discussion at 3 p.m. at Parkway Theater, 1834 Park Blvd., Oakland. Sponsored by Priority Africa Network, Citizens League of Ethiopian Americans and Concentric Media. 650-568-4340. 

Workshop on Creating Character 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.  

Storytelling Women Performance at 3 p.m. at Live Oak Center, Live Oak Park, 1301 Shattuck Ave, at Berryman. Cost is $15-$35, no one turned away. 841-6612.  

Beth El Diversity A panel discussion with Gary and Diane Tobin from 2 to 4 p.m. at Beth El, 2301 Vine St. 848-3988. 

Summer Camp Fair from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Temple, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland. Learn about summer camp options for you and your children. Sponsored by the American Association of University Women. For a free directory of camps call 800-362-2236.  

Tibetan Buddhism, with Erika Rosenberg on “Emotions in Mind” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, MARCH 15 

Tea at Four Enjoy some of the best teas from the other side of the Pacific Rim then take a walk to see wintering birds and dormant ladybeetles, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. Registration required. Cost is $5 for residents, $7 for non-residents. Wheelchair accessible. 525-2233. 

Waves, Wetlands, and Watersheds Educator Workshop Held in Berkeley from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m. 415-597-5888. www.coastforyou.org/  

Kerry-oke! for John Kerry for President Sing your own or traditional lyrics to popular songs that are pro-Kerry, pro-America at the Hotel Shattuck Lounge, 2086 Allston Way from 7 to 10 p.m. A $50 contribution for John Kerry’s campaign is requested. To RSVP call 504-7152. 

Classroom Matters Fundraiser for middle school tutoring scholarships at 6:30 p.m. at Downtown Restaurant, 2102 Shattuck Ave. Tickets are $75 available from 540-8646. 

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

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. 548-0425. 

TUESDAY, MARCH 16 

Tuesday Morning Birdwalk at Tilden Nature Center to see recent spring arrivals, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Call if you need binoculars. 525-2233. 

Tilden Tots, a nature adventure program for 3-4 year olds accompanied by an adult. This month we will learn about reccoons. Cost is $6, $8 for non-residents. Registration required. 525-2233. 

Berkeley Garden Club presents “Let's Talk Dirt” by Buzz Berto- 

lero, E.V.P. of Navlet’s Garden Centers at 1 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St. Guests are welcome. 524-4374. 

National Nutrition Month “Eat in Season” from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market, Derby St. at MLK. Cooking demonstrations, recipes and nutrition education. 548-3333. www.ecologycenter.org 

Friends of Strawberry Creek meets at 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library 3rd floor Meeting Room, 2090 Kittredge St. Senior Environmental Scientist at UCB, Karl E. Hans will present the 18 year history of the Strawberry Creek Restoration Program. For more info, contact jennifermaryphd@hotmail.com 

“How Can Progressives Unite to Defeat Bush?” A roundtable discussion at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 27th and Harrison, Oakland. www.democraticrenewal.us 

“The Media at War: The US Invasion and Occupation of Iraq” A three-day conference with participants from The New York Times, Washington Post, Le Monde, Al Jazeera, NPR, CNN and many others. Sponsored by UC Berkeley Grad. School of Journalism. Details of the events can be found at http://journalism.berkeley.edu/ 

conf/mediaatwar/index.html 

“Mountain Bike Basics” with expert James Lanham at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

American Red Cross Volunteer Orientation from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Advance sign-up needed 594-5165. 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 845-6830. 

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17 

Tilden Tots, a nature adventure program for 3-4 year olds accompanied by an adult. This month we will learn about reccoons. Cost is $6, $8 for non-residents. Registration required. 525-2233. 

Great Decisions 2004: “Latin America Overview” with Prof. Peter H. Smith, Visiting Scholar, UCB, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925.  

Berkeley Schools Excellence Project Community Forum to discuss the option of reauthorizing the special tax measure for the November ballot, at 7 p.m. in the new library at Berkeley High. 644-8717, 644-6320. 

West Street Community Forum The third and final meeting on the former 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. 

Gray Panthers at Night Prepare for the March 20th action in San Francisco. Light supper served. At 7 p.m. at 1403 Addison St. 548-9696. 

Report Back from the World Social Forum in Mumbai Proceeds benefit the National Radio Project. At 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10, sliding scale. 251-1332 ext. 106. 

Fun with Acting Class every Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Free, all are welcome, no experience necessary.  

“Building a Social Network in Ecuador in the Era of Globalization,” with Alfredo Palacio Gonzales, Vice President of Ecuador, who will discuss his work with indegenous communites at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium, International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave. Co-sponsored by the Consulate General of Ecuador, and the World Affairs Council. 642-2088. 

San Francisco Flower and Garden show opens today at the Cow Palace and runs through March 20 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sun. March 21 to 6:30 p.m. Single day tickets are $20. www.gardenshow.com 

“Images of Christ in the Early Church” with Maureen O’Brien, at 7:30 p.m. at All Souls Episcopal Parish, 2220 Cedar St. 848-1755. 

Berkeley Stop the War Coalition meets at 7 p.m. in 255 Dwinelle, UC Campus. www.berkeleystopthewar.org  

Berkeley Communicators Toastmasters meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 7:15 a.m. at Mediterraneum Caffe, 2475 Telegraph Ave. For information call Robert Flammia 524-3765. 

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. www.geocities. 

com/vigil4peace/vigil 

THURSDAY, MARCH 18 

The New Kingdoms of Life Alan Kaplan, naturalist at Tilden Park, discusses how the study of DNA has changed many assumptions about plant and animal classification, at 12:45 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of CA, 1000 Oak St., at 10th St., Oakland. 238-2200.  

“The Solar Cat,” with author Jim Augustyn, at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Biotic Baking Brigade Book Launch Party with Agent Apple at 7 p.m. at AK Press Warehouse, 674A 23rd St., Oakland. 208-1700. www.akpress.org 

LeConte Neighborhood Association monthly meeting at the LeConte School, 2241 Russell, at 7:30 p.m. Agenda includes traffic circles, bus rapid transit, neighborhood organizing. For information, please contact KarlReeh@aol.com 

“A Human Rights Policy for a Democratic Mexico” with Mariclaire Acosta, the former subsecretary for Human Rights and Democracy in the Secretariat of Foreign Relations Office in Mexico at 4 p.m., Women’s Faculty Club, UC Campus. 642-2088. www.clas.berkeley.edu 

Simplicity Forum Laura Hendry, professional organizer, will speak about the ramifications of clutter at 7 p.m. at the Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue Ave. 549-3509. www.simpleliving.net 

Nutrition Awareness at 1 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5190. 

ONGOING 

Family Activist Resource Center where parents and caregivers can come with their children and do their political work while their children are cared for in a creative, respectful and nurturing manner. For information on the next meeting, 841-3204. 

“Freedom from Smoking” a free six-week smoking cessation program offered Mondays from March 29 for May 3, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley Tobacco Prevention Program. To register call 981-5330 or email QuitNow@ci.berkeley.ca.us 

Find a Loving Animal Companion at the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society Adoption Center, open 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tues. - Sun. 2700 Ninth St. 845-7735. www.berkeleyhumane.org  

Medical Care for Your Pet at the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society low-cost veterinary clinic. 2700 Ninth St. For appointments call 845-3633. www.berkeleyhumane.org  

Spring Bulb Bonanza at the Botanical Garden, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., March 15 - April 15, 200 Centennial Drive. 643-2755.  

Free Income Tax Help is available on Tuesday mornings between 10 a.m. and 12 noon at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Ozzie Olson, AARP trained tax preparer is available by appointment. 845-6830.  

CITY MEETINGS 

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon. Mar. 15, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St., Sherry M. Kelly, city clerk, 981-6900. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil/agenda-committee 

Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board meets Mon. Mar. 15 at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Pam Wyche, 644-6128 ext. 113. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/rent 

City Council meets Tues., Mar. 16, at 7 p.m. with a Special Meeting at 5 p.m., in City Council Chambers, Sherry M. Kelly, city clerk, 981-6900. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Berkeley Housing Authority meets Tues., Mar. 16, at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Sherry M. Kelly, city clerk, 981-6900. ww.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/housingauthority 

Citizens Humane Commission meets Wed., Mar. 17, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Katherine O’Connor, 981-6601. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/humane 

Commission on Aging meets Wed., Mar. 17, at 1:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Lisa Ploss, 981-5200. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/commissions/aging 

Human Welfare and Community Action Commission meets Wed., Mar. 17 at 7 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Marianne Graham, 981-5416. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/welfare 

Design Review Committee meets Thurs. Mar. 18, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Anne Burns, 981-7415. www.ci.berkeley. 

ca.us/commissions/designreview  

Fair Campaign Practices Commission meets Thurs., Mar. 18, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Prasanna Rasaih, 981-6950. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/faircampaign 

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., Mar. 18, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Peter Hillier, 981-7000. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/transportationˇ