Events Listings

THURSDAY, OCT. 9 

El Cerrito Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. at El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito. Ann Flinn from Bear Meadow Lavender will speak on everything about Grosso and Provence Lavender. Public welcome. $3. Free for members. 236-4421. www.elcerritogardenclub.org 

First 5 Alameda Community Meeting on services for local children at 6 p.m. at Beebe Memorial Cathedral, 3900 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 875-2400. www.first5ecc.org 

Workshops for Healthcare Activists, and those who want to be, Single Payer Health Care/SB840 Kuehl at 7 p.m. at Hillside Church, 1422 Navellier St., El Cerrito between Portrero and Moeser Lane. 526-0972. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Kaiser Center Lobby, 300 Lakeside Dr., Oakland. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

Baby & Toddler Storytime at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043.  

Yom Kippur Reflection and Discussion at noon at JGate, El Cerrito. RSVP to 559-8140. rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org 

Three Beats for Nothing South Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Thurs. at 10 a.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, Ellis at Ashby. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

Fitness Class for 55+ at 9:15 a.m. at Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

World of Plants Tours Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 p.m. at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $5. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

FRIDAY, OCT. 10 

“Voting Rights 2008” An informational workshop for formerly incarcerated individuals who may be eligible to vote, but are unsure whether they qualify, at 9 a.m. at Downtown Oakland One-Stop Career Center, 1212 Broadway, Oakland. 768-4402. 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Detectives Cesar Melero and Darren Raffery, Berkeley Police Dept. on “Protect Yourself from Identity Theft” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 524-7468. www.citycommonsclub.org  

Volunteer in Berkeley Youth Alternatives Garden Tasks may include weeding, bed preparation, sowing, transplanting, and harvesting. Meet at 10 a.m. at Berkeley Youth Alternatives Garden, Bancroft Way, between Bonar and West. 647-0709. www.byaonline.org 

“Reunification: Building Permanent Peace in Korea” A conference from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at UC Berkeley Alumni House, Bancroft Way and Dana. Sponsored by UC Berkeley Center for Korean Studies. 642-5674. www.kpolicy.org 

Conscientious Projector Film Series “Can the Presidential Election Be Stolen Again?” followed by discussion at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship, Cedar and Bonita. 495-5132. www.bfuu.org 

Womensong Circle An evening of participatory singing for women at 7:15 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, small assembly room, 2345 Channing Way at Dana. Donation $15-$20. 525-7082. 

Berkeley Women in Black weekly vigil from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. Our focus is human rights in Palestine. 548-6310. 

Three Beats for Nothing Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Fri. at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, Hearst at MLK. 655-8863.  

SATURDAY, OCT. 11 

Environmental Forum for Berkeley Candidates including mayoral and city council races at 1 p.m. at Old City Hall, 2134 MLK Jr Way. Sponsored by the Sierra Club, Northern Alameda County Group.  

Indigenous Peoples Day with Powwow and Indian Market from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Civic Center Park. MLK at Center St. 595-5520. ipdpowwow.org 

Fall Fruit Tasting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market, Center St. at MLK Jr Way. 548-3333. 

Habitat Hunters Using various scientific tools, find out what creatures live in which habitats, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. For ages 7 and up. 525-2233. 

Berkeley Path Wanderers: Old and New Emeryville Walk meet at 10 a.m. in front of Old City Hall at the intersection of Hollis and Park. 528-3246. www.berkeleypaths.org  

Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tour of the northern boundary of Berkeley and Kensington, from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $8-$10. For reservations and starting point call 848-0181. 

Seed Saving Conference with speakers on the Ecology Center's Bay Area Seed Interchange Library (BASIL), dietary health issues, and GMOs, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Intertribal Friendship House, 523 International Blvd., Oakland 415-370-1657. mayalencanahuat@yahoo.com 

Berkeley Garden Club Plant Sale from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 131 Ashbury, El Cerrito. 524-7296. 

Herb Day Learn the history of the garden’s herb collection , including Chinese medicinal herbs, from 10 a.m. to noon at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. A class on Chinese traditional medicine follows at 1 p.m. Registration required. Cost is $8-$20. 643-2755, ext. 03. 

Rebuilding Together Oakland Block Building Program in the Elmhurst neighborhood of East Oakland. Volunteers will work in teams to restore and rehabilitate the homes of six elderly or disabled low-income homeowners and the neighborhood school. Skilled and unskilled volunteers welcome and must be at least 14 years of age to volunteer. RSVP to 625-0316. www.rtoakland.org 

“Healthy Air Walk” Fundraiser for the American Lung Association of California at 9 a.m. at the Bandstand near 666 Bellevue in Lakeside Park, Oakland. 893-5474. http://snipurl.com/ 

HealthyAirWalk 

“Facing the Mountains: Breakthroughs to New Racial Landscapes” Workshops from noon to 6 p.m., presentations and public dialogue at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St. Sponsored by World Trust Educational Services. Cost is $25-$50. www.world-trust.org 

Bronze Casting Demonstrations at 9 and 10 p.m. at Berkeley Art Complex, 729 Heinz St. Tours of foundry at 7 p.m. 644-2735. www.artworksfoundry.com 

The East Bay Chapter of The Great War Society meets to discuss “Lawrence of Arabia- Myth & Reality” by Robert DeWard at 10:30 a.m. at Albany Veterans Hall, 1325 Portland Ave., Albany. 526-4423. 

“The New Arms Race” with Jacqueline Cabasso and Andrew Lichterman of the Western States Legal Foundation at 7 p.m. at Alameda Free Library, Conf. Room A, 1550 Oak St. at Lincoln, Alameda. Sponsored by the Alameda Public Affairs Forum. www.alamedapublicaffairsforum.org 

Free Culture Conference on open access to information, copyright law reform, and a culture free from censorship and control, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at International House, Piedmont Ave. at Bancroft. conference.freeculture.org 

Bicycle Safety Class from 2 to 5 p.m. at Crosstown Community Center, 1303 High St., Alameda. 548-7433.  

Berkeley Juggling and Unicycle Festival Sat. and Sun. from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at King Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Includes workshops and performances. For details see www.berkeleyjuggling.org/festival 

Yongmudo Championship, sponsored by the UC Martial Arts Program, beginning at 8 a.m. at the RSF, 2301 Bancroft Way. Cost is $3-$5. 642-3268. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Corpus Christi Church Gym, 322 St. James Dr., Piedmont. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com 

Preschool Storytime, for ages 3-5, at 11 a.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Introduction to the Alexander Technique at 10 a.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. RSVP to 528-3109. amira.alvarez@gmail.com 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. and Sun. at 2 pm. Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

Around the World Tour of Plants at 1:30 p.m., Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wed. and Sat. at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Acton St. 841-2174.  

SUNDAY, OCT. 12 

Berkeley Juggling and Unicycle Festival from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at King Middle School, 1781 Rose St. Includes workshops and performances. For details see www.berkeleyjuggling.org/festival 

Raising Chickens Learn which breeds are best for your situation, how to deal with predators, whether your chickens can free-range, and other chicken/duck lore, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at EcoHouse, 1305 Hopkins St., enter via garden entrance on Peralta. Cost is $15, no one turned away for lack of funds. 548-2220, ext. 242. ecohouse@ecologycenter.org 

Toddler Nature Walk for ages 2-3 and their care-givers, to discover spiders, rolly-pollies, fall colors and more, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Little Farm Open House Come grind some corn to feed the chickens, pet a bunny or groom a goat, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Little Farm at Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Cool Schools Global Warming Campaign for middle and high school students to learn how to take action against global warming in their schools and communities, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. R SVP requested. 704-4030. caroline@earthteam.net, www.earthteam.net 

Least Tern Habitat Restoration Help prepare habitat for the California Least Tern nesting season with Friends of the Alameda Wildlife Refuge. Meet at 9 a.m. at the main refuge gate, northwest corner of former Alameda Naval Air Station. RSVP required. 522-0601. www.ggnrabigyear.org 

Introduction to Fly-Fishing Learn casting at Lake Anza followed by classroom instruction on knots, fly selection, reading the water, and more. From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Tilden Park. Cost is $60-$66. Registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

“Artists for Change” Garden Reception and Fundraiser for Barack Obama from 2 to 5 p.m. at 449 49th St. Cost is $25-$40. RSVP to 655-3841. 

All Italian Car and Motorcycle Show Benefit for Alameda Special Olympics, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lincoln Middle School, 1250 Fernside Blvd., Alameda. Cost is $5.  

Crabby Chefs Seafood Competition from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto, 1919 Fourth St. 845-7771. 

Jewish Coalition for Literacy Training for volunteer tutors from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 300 Grand, Oakland. Register at www.jclread.org 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace Peace walk around the lake every Sun. Meet at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712. lmno4p.org 

Berkeley Chess Club meets every Sun. at 7 p.m. at the Hillside School, 1581 Le Roy Ave. 843-0150. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Betsy Damon on “Inside Tibet” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Sew Your Own Open Studio Come learn to use our industrial and domestic machines, or work on your own projects, from 4 to 8 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Also on Fri. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5 per hour. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

MONDAY, OCT. 13 

First 5 Alameda Community Meeting on services for local children at 1 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Library, 3301 E. 12th St., Oakland. 875-2400. www.first5ecc.org 

“It Came from Berkeley: How Berkeley Changed the World” with author David Weinstein at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

Naomi Wolf and Daniel Ellsberg “Give Me Liberty” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $12-$15. 848-3696. 

“Why Africa Goes Hungry” with Raj Patel, author of “Stuffed and Starved” at 6:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St. Sponsored by Priority Africa Network. 238-8080. www.priorityafrica.org 

“Physics 101: What Our Next President Needs to Know” with Rich Muller, author of “Physics for Future Presidents” at 5:30 p.m. at Berkeley Rep, Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St. Free. Sponsored by Berkeley Lab Friends of Science. 486-7292. 

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Activities for children including making dream-catchers, stringing beads, and listening to Native American stories, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Habitot, 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111. www.habitot.org 

World Affairs/Politics Discussion Group, for people 60 years and over, meets at 9:45 a.m. at Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave, Albany. Cost is $3.  

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. 

Dragonboating Year round classes at the Berkeley Marina, Dock M. Meets Mon, Wed., Thurs. at 6 p.m. Sat. at 10:30 a.m. For details see www.dragonmax.org 

Free Boatbuilding Classes for Youth Mon.-Wed. from 3 to 7 p.m. at Berkeley Boathouse, 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Classes cover woodworking, boatbuilding, and boat repair. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

TUESDAY, OCT. 14 

Berkeley City Council District 4 Candidates Forum at 7 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1744 University Ave., between McGee and Grant. 

Tuesdays for the Birds Tranquil bird walks in local parklands, led by Bethany Facendini, from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Today we will visit Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

Fall Fruit Tasting from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market, Derby St. at MLK Jr Way. 548-3333. 

New Deal Film Festival “Artists at Work: WPA Public Art” at 1 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. Sponsored by the Berkeley Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

“Successes and Failures in California Water Regulation” with Gary Wolff, Vice-chair California State Water Resources Control Board at 5:30 p.m. at 112 Wurster, UC campus. 642-2666, waterarc@library.berkeley.edu, www.lib.berkeley.edu/WRCA/ccow.html 

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

Family Storytime at 7 p.m. at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043.  

Tuesday Tilden Walkers Join a few slowpoke seniors at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot near the Little Farm for an hour or two walk. 215-7672, 524-9992. 

End the Occupation Vigil every Tues. at noon at Oakland Federal Bldg., 1301 Clay St. www.epicalc.org 

Caribbean Rhythms Dance Class begins at 5:30 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St., and meets every Tues. eve. Donations accepted for Community Rhythms Scholarship Fund. 548-9840. 

Street Level Cycles Community Bike Program Come use our tools as well as receive help with performing repairs free of charge. Youth classes available. Tues., Thurs., and Sat. from 2 to 6 p.m. at at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

Fresh Produce Stand at San Pablo Park from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Frances Albrier Community Center. Sponsored by the Ecology Center’s Farm Fresh Choice. 848-1704. www.ecologycenter.org 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Share your digital images, slides and prints and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. We offer ongoing classes in exercise and creative arts, and always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

Sing-A-Long Group from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic Ave., Albany. 524-9122. 

Yarn Wranglers Come knit and crochet at 6:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15 

Tilden Tots Join a nature adventure program for 3 and 4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome)! We will have our annual nature treasure hunt from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 636-1684. 

Tilden Explorers An after-school nature adventure program for 5-7 year olds. We will go on a nature treasure hunt from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Cost is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-327-2757. 

“The Berkeley Climate Action Plan” Learn about and comment on the City's recommendations for reducing local greenhouse gas emissions at the Planning Commission, at 7 p.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. www.BerkeleyClimateAction.org 

First 5 Alameda Community Meeting on services for local children at 6 p.m. at Eastmont Town Center, 7200 Bancroft Ave., Oakland. 875-2400. www.first5ecc.org 

“The Fourth World War” A documentary on the war on terror, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

“Engage Her: Getting Minority Women of Lead and Vote” A documentary by Mable Yee and Marie Victoria Ponce at 4 p.m. at Room 2050 Valley Life Sciences Bldg., UC campus. Discussion follows. 642-5254. 

Albany Reads Community reading of “Snow Mountain Passage” by James D. Houston about the Donner Party. Book discussion at 7 p.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. For other related events, and for a copy of the book call 526-3720. 

“Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: A Family Adventure” at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Berkeley Retired Teachers General Meeting at 12:30 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 526-3805. 

Presidential Debate #3 at 6 p.m. in the JCCEB theater, 1414 Walnut St. Discussion follows. 848-0237. 

Berkeley Simplicity Forum meets to discuss the path to simplicity at 6:30 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave.  

Radical Town Hall Meeting on the Financial Crises An open discussion on the financial meltdown from an anti-capitalist, non-sectarian perspective at 7 p.m. at the Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 595-7417. npml@marxistlibr.org 

Reel Rock Film Tour Climbing adventure films at 8 p.m. at Pyramid Alehouse Boardroom. Tickets are $12-$14. www.reelrocktour.com 

Walk Berkeley for Seniors meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Sea Breeze Market, just west of the I-80 overpass. Everyone is welcome, wear comfortable shoes and a warm hat. 548-9840. 

Jump Start Entrepreneurs Network meets at 8 a.m. at Cuppa Tea, 3202 College Ave. at Alcactraz. Cost is $5-$6, includes breakfast. 899-8242. www.jumpstartten.com 

Theraputic Recreation at the Berkeley Warm Pool, Wed. at 3:30 p.m. and Sat. at 10 a.m. at the Berkeley Warm Pool, 2245 Milvia St. Cost is $4-$5. Bring a towel. 632-9369. 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Station, corner of Shattuck and Center. Sing for Peace at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www.geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

Family Sing-Along for toddlers, pre-schoolers and their families at 4:30 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

Teen Chess Club from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the North Branch Library, 1170 The Alameda at Hopkins. 981-6133. 

Morning Meditation Every Mon., Wed., and Fri. at 7:45 a.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way at 6th. 486-8700. 

Berkeley CopWatch Drop-in office hours from 6 to 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. 548-0425. 

Stitch ‘n Bitch at 6:30 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

THURSDAY, OCT. 16 

"Preservation Works" A panel discussion on the benefits of architectural preservation for a city at 7:30 p.m. at The Hillside Club, Cedar St. at Arch. Sponsored by Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association. Free. 841-2242. www.berkeleyheritage.com 

Bay Area National Latino AIDS Awareness Day with music and food, from 6 to 9 p.m. at La Peña. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

LeConte Neighborhood Association Meeting with Mayoral candidate Shirley Dean at 7:30 p.m. at the LeConte School, Russell St. entrance. Other agenda items include a mini-park for Oregon/Fulton, anti-blight procedures, better traffic control. karlreeh@aol.com  

First 5 Alameda Community Meeting on services for local children at 6 p.m. at Alameda Behavioral Health Care Services, 2000 Embarcadero, Oakland. 875-2400. www.first5ecc.org 

Workshops for Healthcare Activists, and those who want to be, Single Payer Health Care/SB840 Kuehl at 7 p.m. at Hillside Church, 1422 Navellier St., El Cerrito between Portrero and Moeser Lane. 526-0972. 

University of California Press Annual Sidewalk Book Sale with hundreds of new and slightly scuffed books from the warehouse at a significant discount from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2120 Berkeley Way, one block north of University, between Shattuck and Oxford. www.ucpress.edu 

“Starved for Attention: The Neglected Crisis of Childhood Malnutrition” with Dr. Buddhima Lokuge at 5:30 p.m. at Berdahl Auditorium, Stanley Hall, UC campus. Presented by Doctors Without Borders. 

College Night for High School Students to meet college representatives from 6 to 8 p.m. at the College of Alameda Gymnasium, Building G, 555 Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway, Alameda. 337-2314. 

“Voices of Courage” Family Violence Law Center’s Annual Dinner at 6 p.m. at Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Oakland. Tickets are $100. RSVP to christina@fvlc.org 

Hall of Health Educator's Open House with Eileen Murray, Children's Hospital & Research Center on “Sickle Cell Disease and Trait” at 4 p.m. at Hall of Health, 2230 Shattuck Ave. (lower level). RSVP to 705-8527. 

LiveTalk@CPS with Robert W. Fuller, former president of Oberlin College on “Overcoming the Abuse of Rank” at 7 p.m. at College Prepatory School, Buttner Auditorium, 6100 Broadway. Tickets are $5-$15 at the door. www.college-prep.org/livetalk 

“Turkey Vultures: Fact vs. Fiction” with Douglas Long, chief curator of Natural Sciences, at 12:30 p.m. at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. Bring photo ID and two references. 644-8833. 

Reel Rock Film Tour Climbing adventure films at 8 p.m. at Pyramid Alehouse Boardroom. Tickets are $12-$14. www.reelrocktour.com 

Three Beats for Nothing South Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Thurs. at 10 a.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center, Ellis at Ashby. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters Club at 6:45 p.m. at Spud’s Pizza , 3290 Adeline at Alcatraz. namaste@avatar.freetoasthost.info  

Fitness Class for 55+ at 9:15 a.m. at Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

World of Plants Tours Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 p.m. at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $5. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

FRIDAY, OCT. 17 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Linda Swift on “Climate Change: A Primer” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 524-7468. www.citycommonsclub.org 

Iraq Moratorium Day and Vigil to Protest the War from 2 to 4 p.m. at the corners of University & Acton. Sponsored by Strawberry Creek Lodge Tenant’s Assoc & Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

Berkeley Women in Black weekly vigil from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. Our focus is human rights in Palestine. 548-6310. 

Three Beats for Nothing Mostly ancient part music for fun and practice meets every Fri. at 10 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, Hearst at MLK. 655-8863. asiecker@sbcglobal 

SATURDAY, OCT. 18 

Brazilian Parade and Festival with Capoeira, Brazilian music and dance starting at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of Hearst and Sacramento, to Civic Center Park for a festival. www.capoeiraarts.com 

Mini-Farmers in Tilden A farm exploration program, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for ages 4-6 years, accompanied by an adult. We will explore the Little Farm, care for animals, do crafts and farm chores. Wear boots and dress to get dirty! Fee is $6-$8. Registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Rebuilding Together Oakland Block Building Program in the Elmhurst neighborhood of East Oakland. Volunteers will work in teams to restore and rehabilitate the homes of six elderly or disabled low-income homeowners and the neighborhood school. Skilled and unskilled volunteers welcome and must be at least 14 years of age to volunteer. RSVP to 625-0316. www.rtoakland.org 

Reptile Rendevous Learn about the reptiles that live in Tilden Park, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

Bunny Adoption Day Come meet our rescued bunnies and learn how to train and care for a house rabbit, from 2 to 5 p.m. at RabbitEars, 377 Colusa Ave., Kensington. 525-6155. 

Native Plant Fair with plants, bulbs and books from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Native Here Nursery, 101 Golf Course Dr,. Tilden Park, across from Tilden Golf Course entrance. Sponsored by California Native Plant Society East Bay. www.ebcnps.org 

Telling Tales: A Fall Storytelling Festival featuring Awele Makeba, Kirk Waller, Nancy Schimmel and Walker Brents III, from noon to 5 p.m. at Berkwood Hedge School, 1809 Bancroft Way. Cost is $7, $20 per family. 883-6994.  

University Students Cooperative Association 75th Anniversary Gala at 6:30 p.m. at Hs Lordships, Berkeley Marina. For ticket information and reservations see www.bsc.coop/75th 

Home Movie Day Screenings begin at 12:30 p.m., and a special progam at 4 p.m. at PFA, 2575 Bancroft Way. For information on how to submit your old home movies, see www.bampfa.berkeley.edu/film/FN17187 

Benefit for Chaplain James Yee, former U.S. Army Muslim Chaplain at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. 495-5132. www.bfuu.org 

El Cerrito Democratic Club Annual Meeting and dinner with speaker Normon Solomon on “End of an Error - Beginning of an Era: Achieving Our Goals in a Post-Bush America” and music by Vukani Mawethu, at 6 p.m. at Arlington Community Church, 52 Arlington Ave. For reservations see www.ecdclub.org 

“An American Blackout” A film about the stolen elections of 2000 and 2004 at 5:30 p.m. with catered dinner at Sky Lounge in El Cerrito, 10458 San Pablo Ave. Donation $5-$10. Sponsored by the El Cerrito Green Party. 526-0972. 

“Writing a Memoir That Sells” with David Henry Sterry, Beth Lisick and Alan Black at the California Writers Club, at 10 a.m. at Barnes & Nobel, Jack London Square, Oakland. 272-0120. 

“Sufi Peacemaking: A New Model of Mediation” led by Nura Laird and Lynn Hammond from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Cost is $45. To register call 233-2666. 

“Love, Loss and Longing” A conference on Cuban families torn apart from 10:30 a.m. to 230 p.m. at Chabot College, 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward. 832-2372. 

Jewish Literature and Discussion Series meets to discuss “The Lover” by A.B. Yehoshua at 2 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

Ancestral DNA Testing A workshop from noon to 3 p.m. at College of Alameda, 555 Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parway, Alameda. Cost is $150. Registration required. 748-2352. 

USS Hornet Museum Open House with tours of the ship and its airplanes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda. 521-8448. www.uss-hornet.org 

Free Internet Classes “All About Email” at 10 a.m. at the El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton St., El Cerrito. 526-7512. 

Jewish Harvest Holiday for Preschoolers at 10:30 a.m. at Jewish Gateways near the El Cerrito BART station. RSVP to Rabbi Bridget Wynne at 559-8140 or rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org.  

Preschool Storytime, for ages 3-5, at 11 a.m. at Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. and Sun. at 2 pm. Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wed. and Sat. at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Acton St. 841-2174.  

Oakland Artisans Marketplace Sat. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jack London Square. 238-4948. 

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, OCT. 19 

Family Bird Walk Learn birding basics during a short walk through various avian habitats, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center. Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Bountiful Berries A mile-long hike to learn about native berry-producing plants, and the wildlife that enjoys them, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Native Plant Fair with plants, bulbs and books from noon to 3 p.m. at Native Here Nursery, 101 Golf Course Dr,. Tilden Park, across from Tilden Golf Course entrance. Sponsored by California Native Plant Society East Bay. www.ebcnps.org 

Friends of the Kensington Library Fall Book Sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot behind the Library at 61 Arlington Ave, Kensington. The ‘Bag Sale’ will begin at 2p.m. 524-3043. 

Community Labyrinth Peace Walk at 3 p.m. at Willard Middle School, Telegraph Ave. between Derby and Stuart. Everyone welcome. Wheelchair accessible. 526-7377. info@eastbaylabyrinthproject.org  

“It Came From Berkeley: How Berkeley Changed the World” with author Dave Weinstein at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley History Center, 1931 Center St. 848-0181. 

El Cerrito Historical Society Meeting will feature a video about the Technical Porcelain and Chinaware Company, or “TEPCO” which was for years the biggest employer in El Cerrito, at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center, 6510 Stockton Ave. 526-7507. www.elcerritowire.com/history 

Berkeley CyberSalon with freelance Wired and Variety journalist Scott Kirsner at 6 p.m. at Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $10-$15. whoisylvia@aol.com 

East Bay Atheists meets at 1:30 p.m. at Berkeley Main Library, 3rd Floor, 2090 Kittredge St. 222-7580. 

“Update on Childhood Vaccinations” with Dr Thauna Abrin on ingredients in vaccinations and how they affect the body and how to prepare your child's body for a vaccination at 10 a.m. at Pharmaca, 1744 Solano Ave. 282-2104. 

“The Roots of the Unitarian Controversy” with Bill Hamilton-Holway at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

Berkeley/North East Bay Chapter of the ACLU Annual Meeting at 1 p.m. at the Albany Senior Center 846 Masonic Ave., Albany. Guests welcome. 558-0377. 

Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace Peace walk around the lake every Sun. Meet at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712. lmno4p.org 

Berkeley Chess Club meets every Sun. at 7 p.m. at the Hillside School, 1581 Le Roy Ave. 843-0150. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Robin Caton on “The Silent Sound of the Mind” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Sew Your Own Open Studio Come learn to use our industrial and domestic machines, or work on your own projects, from 4 to 8 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Also on Fri. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5 per hour. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

Citizens Humane Commission meets Wed., Oct. 15, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6601. 

Commission on Aging meets Wed., Oct. 15, at 1:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5344. 

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Oct. 15, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5426.  

Planning Commission meets Wed., Oct. 15, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7484. 

Police Review Commission meets Wed., Oct. 15, at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-4950. 

Design Review Committee meets Thurs., Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7415. 

Fair Campaign Practices Commission meets Thurs., Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6950.  

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., Oct. 16, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7010.