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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. 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 Aqua- 

tic 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. 

Annual Ergathon from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Civic Center Park. Berkeley High School rowers will each be rowing 4000 meters on an erg, a machine that simulates rowing, for donations. All donations go toward needed equipment and scholarships so that any BHS student who wants to row can. For more information contact Jane Dulay, jldulay@comcast.net or Ergathon Coordinator, Evelyn Larsen erlarsen@earthlink.net www.berkeleyhighcrew.org  

Northbrae Community Church’s Silent Auction and Gala Dinner at 5 p.m. at 941 The Alameda. Cost is $30 for adults, $10 for children. The public is welcome. Please call 526-3805 for reservations. 

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 an 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. www.eastbayvoice.org/tickets 

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/ 

“Electronic Voting in Alameda County: Are we being fooled?” Join Green Party members and community activists discussing concerns regarding the controversial Diebold voting machines used throughout Alameda County. County Supervisor Keith Carson, District 5, will share his views and answer questions from attendees. From 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Niebyl-Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 644-2293. countycouncil@yahoogroups.com 

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. Materials 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 

Death Penalty Vigil from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the North Berkeley BART Station. All are welcome to join us, please note day change due to planned execution. Sponsored by Berkeley Friends Meeting. 528-7784. 

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

Tu Bishv’at Seder Celebrate the Jewish New Year of the Trees according to the rites of the Kabbalah. Rabbi David Seidenberg, Jewish eco-theologian, will lead this journey through the “four worlds,” at 7 p.m. in the GTU Dinner Board Room, 2400 Ridge Rd. Co-sponsored with the Center for Jewish Studies at the Graduate Theological Union. 649-2560. 

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. 

TUESDAY, FEB. 10 

Tuesday Morning Birdwalk at Tilden’s Vollmer Peak, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Call if you need binoculars. 525-2233. 

“Willow Rescue” Descendants of the shoreline’s original willows are being returned to health through ivy removal at Aquatic Park. Meet outside the Cabin at the park’s southern entrance at 10 a.m. Aquatic Park EGRET egret@lmi.net or 549-0818. 

Mini-Rangers at Tilden Park Join us for an afternoon of nature study, conservation and rambling through woods and waters. Dress to get dirty and bring a healthy snack to share. From 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. For ages 8-12. Fee is $6 for residents, $7 for non-residents. Registration required. 525-2233. 

“Hiking the 60-Mile Diablo Grand Loop” with Seth Adams, Director of Land Programs for Save Mount Diablo at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“A History of the Environmental Justice Movement” with Juliet Ellis, Executive Director of Urban Habitat, at 7 p.m. at the GTU Dinner Board Room, 2400 Ridge Rd. 649-2560. 

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 Terry Bloomburgh at 849-4134 or email Bloomburgh@sbcglobal.net 

“Evolutionary Biology and Some Aspects of African History” with Wilmot G. James of The Human Sciences Research Council in Cape Town, South Africa, at 4 p.m. in 652 Barrows Hall. Sponsored by the Center for African Studies. 642-8338. http://ias.berkeley.edu/africa/ 

“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 

Handwriting Analysis with Kabbalistic Graphologist Yaakov Rosenthal, at 7:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Co-sponsored by Chabad of the East Bay and the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center.  

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. 234-4783. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11 

“Migrations at Dusk” Black-crowned night herons leaving their willows in Aquatic Park cross paths with great egrets coming to roost above the Cabin. Meet outside the Cabin at the park’s southern entrance at 5p.m. Aquatic Park EGRET egret@lmi.net or 549-0818. 

Great Decisions 2004: “The Media and Foreign Policy” with Prof. Ben Bagdikian, UCB Grad. School of Journalism from 10 a.m. to noon at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. The Great Decisions program will meet for eight Wednesdays. Briefing booklets are available. For information and reservations call 526-2925.  

“Back in the Day” A Black History Celebration, featuring Miles Perkins, leader of the “Mingus Amungus Jazz Band,” and the Fantastic Steppers Tap Group, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5170. 

“Which Candidate?” The Berkeley Gray Panthers of the East Bay is sponsoring a debate to help senior citizens decide which candidate they might support in the March 2 democratic primary, at 1:15 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 548-9696. 

Police Review Commission Community Forum on the proposed Berkeley Police Department (BPD) canine program. BPD would like to implement a canine unit using “find and bark” dogs. The dogs would be used primarily to increase officer safety in searching for violent suspects and to increase efficiency in finding missing persons. At 7 p.m. at the West Berkeley Senior Center.  

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

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 

Prose Writers Workshop Meets 7 to 9 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut, at Rose. 524-3034. 

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

THURSDAY, FEB. 12 

“Bayshore Cleaning” Bring renewed life to tidal plants by helping remove storm debris from the bay shoreline in Aquatic Park. Meet outside the Cabin at the park’s southern entrance at 10 a.m. egret@lmi.net or 549-0818. 

Introduction To Sustainable Landscape Design Create an environmentally friendly oasis in your yard using the principles of sustainability. We will cover the fundamentals of design, installation and maintenance of a sustainable landscape. Use of native plants, recycled materials, water conserving techniques and pest control will be discussed. From 7 to 10 p.m. at the Building Education Center, 812 Page St. Cost is $35. To register, call 525-7610. 

“Children Soldiers” with Sarah Williams, Rotary Peace Scholar, at 7:30 p.m. at International House, Piedmont Ave. at Bancroft. 642-9460.  

East Bay Mac User Group Meet Other Mac users F2F. Q & A session for all levels, software demos, tips, presentations and give-aways! Meets from 6 to 9 p.m. at Expression Center for New Media, 6601 Shellmound St. www.expression.edu 

ONGOING 

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 

Public Housing Resident Advisory Board meets on Mon. Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. at Berkeley Housing Authority, 1901 Fairview St. Angellique DeCoud. 981-5475. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/publichousing 

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon. Feb. 9, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St., Sherry M. Kelly, city clerk, 981-6900. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil/agenda-committee 

City Council meets Tues., Feb. 10. , 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 

Commission on Disability meets Wed., Feb. 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Paul Church, 981-6342. www.ci.berkeley. 

ca.us/commissions/disability 

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Feb. 11, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jane Micallef, 981-5426. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/homeless 

Library Board of Trustees meets Wed., Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. at 2090 Kittredge. Jackie Y. Griffin, 981-6195. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/library  

Planning Commission meets Wed., Feb. 11, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Ruth Grimes, 981-7481. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/planning 

Police Review Commission meets Wed, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Barbara Attard, 981-4950. www.ci.berkeley.ca. 

us/commissions/policereview 

Waterfront Commission meets Wed., Feb. 11, at 7 p.m., at 201 University Ave. Cliff Marchetti. 644-6376 ext. 224. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/waterfront 

Commission on Early Childhood Education meets Thurs., Feb. 12, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Marianne Graham, 981-5416. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/earlychildhoodeducation  

Community Health Commission meets Thurs, Feb. 12, at 6:45 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. William Rogers, 981-5344. www.ci.ber 

keley.ca.us/commissions/health 

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., Feb. 12, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/zoning