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FRIDAY, NOV. 28 

Thanksgiving Holiday - City Offices are Closed 

Bay Area Women in Black will hold a silent walking vigil to supposrt the new Palestine-Israel Geneva Peace Initiative and to protest US occupation of Iraq. Assemble at 11:50 a.m. at the Bank of America across from the Powell Street BART. Please wear black. Everyone welcome. bayareawomeninblack@earthlink.net 

Bead Artistry: An Exploration of Creativity Nov 28 to 30. Off-loom beading art objects including jewelry sale by featured artists. Berkeley Art Center. 644-6893 www.berkeleyartcenter.org  

Oakland Glass Artists Holiday Exhibit and Sale, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2680 Union St. Oakland. Also on Sat. and Sun. 832-8380.  

Holiday Kwanzaa and Christmas Gift Show to encourage patronage of black businesses at the Oakland Marriott Convention Center, 550-10th Street, Oakland, Fri. - Sun. 1 to 8 p.m. Admission $5, children free. 

SATURDAY, NOV. 29 

Women of Color Arts and Crafts Fair, featuring paintings, clay sculptures, textiles, jewelry, quilts, decorative functional furniture and wearable art. From 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Berkeley Artisans Open Studios every weekend through Dec. 21. 100 professional artists and craftspeople at studio buildings in Berkeley open their doors to the public. Crafts include blown glass, functional and decorative ceramics, ornaments, Menorahs, clocks, lamps and lighting, painted and custom furniture, garden art, bird houses, egg dioramas, floor cloths, clothing, textiles, jewelry, sculpture, photography, paintings, original prints, and other works on paper. All work is handcrafted, many pieces are one-of-a-kind. A self-guided tour presents opportunities to meet the artists and see working craft studios. For a map of participating studios call 845-2612. www.berkeleyartisans.com 

Soapmaking Do you know where soap comes from? Learn how to make all natural soap from olive, coconut, and palm oils. For ages 12 and older, registration required. From 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park. Cost $10, $12 for non-residents. 525-2233. 

Strawberry Creek Work Party We'll be planting and putting down erosion control material on the creek bank. We also have a small shady spot that needs the ivy removed and the soil prepared for a small native garden that we'll plant in December. Meet at the Strawberry Creek Lodge, 1320 Addison at 10 a.m. Please bring sturdy shoes and water, and gloves, if you have them. Everything else will be supplied.  

Shamanic Journeying Meditation, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Free. For information and directions call 525-1272. 

SUNDAY, NOV. 30 

Berkeley Artisans Open Studios For a map of participating studios call 845-2612. www.berkeleyartisans.com 

She Made Holiday Arts Bazaar, with a silent auction to benefit the Women’s Daytime Drop-in Center, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pro Arts Gallery, 461 Ninth St. Oakland. www.she-made.com 

Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters 10th Anniversary, with food refreshments, music and more. From 4 to 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“Walk Around Middle Pond” with Aquatic Park EGRET’s rangers to see habitat restoration work. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Cabin on the eastern shore of Middle Pond at the northern terminus of Shellmound Street. 549-0818. egret@lmi.net 

Prisoner Visitation and Support, an introduction to the interfaith independent visitation program at 12:30 p.m. at Berkeley Friends Meeting, 2152 Vine St. at the corner of Walnut. For more information call Arden Pierce at 650-494-1631. 

“The Witness,” a one-woman play which follows the journey of a young woman onto the streets, followed by a discussion of Faithful Fools Ministry, at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Donations suggested to benefit Fools Street Ministry. 528-5403. 

“Pills Profits and Protest: Voices of Global AIDS Activists” a documentary, followed by discussion at 3 p.m. at Parkway Theater, 1834 Park St. A World AIDS Day benefit for Health GAP, ACT UP East bay and Action=Life Film Collective. Donation $8. For information call 841-4339. www.pillsprofitsprotest.org 

Tibetan Buddhism, Abbe Blum on “Personal Transitions as New Beginnings” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

MONDAY, DEC. 1 

ACCI Gallery, Holiday Arts and Crafts Show Gallery hours are Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 1652 Shattuck Ave. 843-2527.  

www.accigallery.com 

Tea at Four Enjoy some of the best teas from the other side of the Pacific Rim and learn their cultural and natural history. 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. 

“Rally for Africa's Right to Health” at the Oakland Federal Building, 1301 Clay Street, from noon to 1:00 p.m. Demand that President Bush and Congress allocate the $15 billion for AIDS services in Africa that the president promised in his January 2003 State of the Union Address. The event will feature speakers, including Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and the display of 300 pairs of shoes to symbolize the Africans who will die of AIDS-related causes in the hour that the rally takes place. For more information, call 527-4099. 

Report Back From Occupied Palestine with John Ross at 7 p.m. at Fellowship Hall, Cedar and Bonita. Sponsored by the International Solidarity Movement. 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 6 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Join us to work on current issues around police misconduct. Volunteers needed. For information call 548-0425. 

Berkeley Biodiesel Cooperative Orientation at 7:30 p.m. Call for location 594-4000, ext. 777. berkeleybiodiesel@ 

yahoo.com 

TUESDAY, DEC. 2 

Writer’s Room needs volunteers to help students improve their writing and critical thinking skills. Volunteer trainings will take place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. tonight, and also on Dec. 9. please call Terry, 849-4134 or email Bloomburgh@sbcglobal.net to sign up.  

Holiday Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. 643-8155. www.mip.berkeley. 

edu/garden  

The Science Behind Genetically Engineered Plants A lecture with Dr. Andrew Gutierrez, Professor of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, Graduate Theological Union, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 2400 Ridge Rd. 649-2560. www.gtu.edu/studentgroups/trees 

Sustainable Development in Cuba Slide show and discussion based on ECOTECTURE Editor Philip S. Wenz’s trip to Cuba, at 7 p.m. at the Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Donation $10, no one turned away for lack of funds. Benefits the Building Education Center and Global Exchange Cuba Program. 525-7610.  

Dine Out for AIDS Advocacy at Unicorn Pan Asian Cuisine, 2533 Telegraph Ave. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Benefits HealthGAP and ACT UP East Bay. Wheelchair accessible. Reservations are suggested. 841-4339. 

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. Jackie Hetman will show slides of Northern Sweden and Lapland at 11 a.m. We offer ongoing classes in exercise and creative arts, and always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Share your slides and prints and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 525-3565. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3 

Zapatistas Turn 20, a benefit celebration for the Chiapas Support Committee, at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5-$10 in advance, $12 at the door. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Meet Up for Howard Dean at three Berkeley locations: Au Coquelet, 2000 University Ave.; Raleigh’s (Generation Dean youth meeting), 2438 Telegraph Ave.; Sweet Basil Thai Restaurant, 1736 Solano Ave. Free. Wheelchair accessible. 843-8724. 

Dick Penniman’s Avalanche Safety, slide lecture and video presentation on the fundamentals: avalanche phenomena, meteorology, snowpack formation, route selection, stability evaluation and rescue techniques, at 6 p.m. at at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $20. 527-4140. 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Sta- 

tion, corner of Shattuck and Center. Vigil at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www.geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

Community Dances, traditional English and American dances, 8 p.m. every Wednesday, $9. 7 p.m. first Sunday, $10. Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. 233-5065. www.bacds.org 

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.  

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. 

THURSDAY, DEC. 4 

“In Conversation with Political Authors: In Search of Weapons of Mass Deception” Panelists include Ishmael Reed, Iris Chang, Daniel Ellsberg and Dori Maynard, moderated by Normon Solomon. At 6 p.m. at Twist Restaurant, 495 10th St. Oakland. Tickets are $35, dinner and panel, $10 panel only, available from 525-3948. www.penoakland.org 

Read the Night Sky! Beginners guide to finding planets and constellations using an astrological calendar, at 7:30 p.m. at Ancient Ways, 4075 Telegraph Ave, Oakland. Cost is $5-10. 658-9178.  

Snowcamping, an introduction at 7 pm, at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Berkeley Venture Crew 24 Open House We are an inclusive Scout group for high schoolers-college boys and girls. Come see our scuba diving, backpacking or camping pictures, at 7:30 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St. 525-6058. 

9/11 Truth Alliance Forum at 7 p.m. at The Fellowship of Humanity, 390 27th St., Oakland. 925-798-3698. 

UC Botanical Garden Docent Training at 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fee and registration required. Call 643-1924 to sign up! 

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. 

St. John's Prime Timers Tap Dancing class meets on Thursday mornings at 9:15 a.m. at St. John's Presbyterian Church at 2717 Garber St. Class is free and open to anyone over 50. 527-0167. 

ONGOING 

We Give Thanks Month, Berkeley restaurants, Bar-Ristorante Raphael, Cold Stone Creamery, Downtown, La Note, Semi-Freddi’s, Skates, and Spengers will donate a portion of their proceeds to Berkeley Food and Housing Project during the month of November. 

Holiday Food Drive Help the Alameda County Community Food Bank help people in need. Offer to run a food drive, or donate healthy nonperishable food at Safeway stores, Berkeley Bowl and Bay Street Emeryville. For more information call 834-3663. www.accfb.org 

City of Berkeley Commissioners Sought If you are interested in serving on a commission, applications can be downloaded from www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/general.htm#applications or contact the City Clerk, 981-6900.  

The Online Civilian Conservation Corps Museum is seeking the stories about the CCCs, CCC Enrollees, Staff, or Technical Advisors for publication to this online historical resource. If you would like to participate please send your stories, with name company number and location if known, to CCC Collection, PO Box 5, Woodbury NJ 08096 or email to JFJmuseum@aol.com 

Personnel Commissioner Sought for Alameda County School Board Responsibilities include administration of the Merit System. Meetings once a month. Applications must be received by Nov. 28. For details please contact Alameda County Office of Education, 670-7703. 

Free Smoke Detectors for City residents and UC Berkeley students who live off-campus. Applications are available from the Environment, Health & Safety office of UC Berkeley, at any Berkeley Fire Station, or at the Fire Admin. Office located at 2100 MLK, Jr. Way. 981-5585.  

Free Energy Bill Payment Assistance The City of Berkeley has money to help low-income households pay their gas and electric bills. For applications contact the Energy Office at 644-8544. TDD: 981-6903. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/energy 

CITY MEETINGS 

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon., Dec. 1, 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., Dec. 1, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers, Pam Wyche 644-6128 ext. 113. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/rent 

Parks and Recreation Commission meets Mon., Dec. 1, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Deborah Chernin, 981-6715. ww.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/parksandrecreation 

Peace and Justice Commission meets Mon., Dec. 1, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Manuel Hector, 981-5510. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ 

commissions/peaceandjustice 

Youth Commission meets Mon., Dec. 1, at 6:30 p.m., at 1730 Oregon St. Philip Harper-Cotton, 981-6670. www.ci.ber 

keley.ca.us/commissions/youth 

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Mon., Dec. 1, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410. www.ci.ber 

keley.ca.us/commissions/zoning   

Commission on the Status of Women meets Wed., Dec. 3, 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., Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. David Orth, 981-5502. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/firesafety 

Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Oscar Sung, 981-5410. www.ci.berkeley. 

ca.us/commissions/housing 

Public Works Commission meets Thurs., Dec. 4, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jeff Egeberg, 981-6406. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/publicworks